SGI Newsletters - Elizabeth May for Saanich-Gulf Islandshttp://www.sgigreenparty.ca/sgi_newsletters
December 2016 Newsletter<p><strong>In this edition:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Take Action for A Merrier Year Ahead</strong></li>
<li><strong>Take Action for Electoral Reform!</strong></li>
<li><strong>Upcoming Events</strong></li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Take Action for A Merrier Year Ahead<br> </strong></h2>
<p><a title="Elizabeth's blog on the ratificatin vote" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.greenparty.ca%2Fen%2Fblog%2F2016-12-05%2Fwhat-happened-our-calgary-meeting-%25E2%2580%2593-and-what-you-will-be-asked-ratify&amp;e=58dcbe4ab933164ae05d7615ce46e3c3&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=dec2016nwsltr&amp;n=3" target="_blank"><img class="CToWUd" style="float: left; margin: 5px 10px;" title="CalgarySGIcrowd-2.jpg" src="https://ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/5qUvvhnvYMVNAyyCCRE2Rw0F1ymGRMExo9hKkyDbYhoY5zHXPVjUsTqbS4O_Ay2d0cz8KqfR37Rxe8mfiy8IGBpWlfY4c5Nm_Ku4J1hpApuJD-RbLEBAc3wM1I6pNE7i2p6KeidvDALtIOx2hcMx2wU6SVwhxyNdnvhORf6zQjptGw1A2mc8fW1XeAWVKM0uQ44MlayCEY93k5SmdQ=s0-d-e1-ft#http://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/mailings/599/attachments/original/CalgarySGIcrowd-2.jpg?1481651353" alt="CalgarySGIcrowd-2.jpg" width="350" height="247" /></a>A huge thank you to all who attended, or helped others to attend, the Special General Meeting held in Calgary on December 3 and 4. <br> <br> Saanich Gulf-Island Greens can be grateful, not only for our wonderful leader and MP, Elizabeth May, but also for the incredible efforts of our own Thomas Teuwen who inspired many participants from SGI and across Canada with his Unity Tour. Thomas encouraged us to be positive and take bold steps to keep building a Party we can proudly support as a real alternative to business-as-usual politics. <br> <br> The success of the meeting reflects the hard work by the meeting organizers and the passionate dedication of Party members to walk the talk of Green Values. Elizabeth May described the origin of Green Values in <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dhge0PWsgiJY%26feature%3Dyoutu.be&amp;e=58dcbe4ab933164ae05d7615ce46e3c3&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=dec2016nwsltr&amp;n=4" target="_blank"> her keynote address</a> in Calgary. Then the meeting participants put the Green Values into action, achieving far more than many of us had thought possible.<br> <br> On the first day of the meeting, it did not seem quite so promising, more of an example of the saying about policy and sausage (i.e., you don't want to see how either is made). The next day, however, was a beautiful example of the power of working towards consensus. Read Elizabeth May's comments on the meeting <a title="E May's Blog" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.greenparty.ca%2Fen%2Fblog%2F2016-12-05%2Fwhat-happened-our-calgary-meeting-%25E2%2580%2593-and-what-you-will-be-asked-ratify&amp;e=58dcbe4ab933164ae05d7615ce46e3c3&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=dec2016nwsltr&amp;n=5" target="_blank">here</a>.<br> <br> In Calgary, members of the Green Party of Canada clearly re-committed to consensus-based decision-making. There was positive action on a surprising number of key issues - strong support for Indigenous rights, including repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery; <a title="GPC added policy
for Israel&amp;Palestine" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.greenparty.ca%2Fen%2Fbackgrounder%2F2016-12-04%2Fgreen-party-canada-updates-israel-palestine-policy&amp;e=58dcbe4ab933164ae05d7615ce46e3c3&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=dec2016nwsltr&amp;n=6" target="_blank"> a new resolution adding to our long-standing policy seeking peace in the Middle East with a balanced approach for the complex challenges faced by Israel and Palestine</a>; an affirmation of proportional representation; and the first bold steps down the path to an improved process for policy proposals and directives. <br> <br> Now to make this stick - all members of the Green Party of Canada are asked to support the decisions made in Calgary via an online ratification vote. Email notification of the vote went out December 7th with the subject line '<strong>2016 Online Special General Meeting</strong>'. The email has a <a title="ratification vote
link" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=https%3A%2F%2Fgpc.simplyvoting.com%2F&amp;e=58dcbe4ab933164ae05d7615ce46e3c3&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=dec2016nwsltr&amp;n=7" target="_blank"> link to the ratification ballot</a> plus a unique password. <br> <br> <strong><a title="EMs message on ratification vote" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.greenparty.ca%2Fen%2Fblog%2F2016-12-05%2Fwhat-happened-our-calgary-meeting-%25E2%2580%2593-and-what-you-will-be-asked-ratify&amp;e=58dcbe4ab933164ae05d7615ce46e3c3&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=dec2016nwsltr&amp;n=8" target="_blank">Elizabeth urges all of us to please <em>vote in favour of the resolutions</em> passed <strong></strong><strong>the Special general Meeting in Calgary</strong>!</a> </strong>Voting is open until <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">February 6, 2017</span></span>.</p>
<h2><strong>Take Action for Electoral Reform! </strong></h2>
<p><a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.greenparty.ca%2Fen%2Foperation-postcard&amp;e=13189f788626bea2597d17eb82d06c2b6179f040&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=161214_sun&amp;n=15&amp;e=58dcbe4ab933164ae05d7615ce46e3c3&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=dec2016nwsltr&amp;n=9" target="_blank"><img class="CToWUd" style="float: left; margin: 5px 10px;" title="postcardgroup.jpg" src="https://ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/FLlEdwKK598GiPiVKcyiBueWYHT2Pvxx1-hyTfjXiyAh5AIDc8gQSlJHiscK0RfO4otL5KpoUGSCr2uNoXdmt_UJvyvgL8CYcYkVkzEi9OfChEOwZeUUGPhyh69mBXFYm6kBRa131jU6Aa5EFWGyuKCtxul28mvgQuvwDB9ulmpdV9CpNyju782_0Hq0sTlP9wDJpu5AB5f2=s0-d-e1-ft#http://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/mailings/599/attachments/original/postcardgroup.jpg?1481762779" alt="postcardgroup.jpg" width="350" height="203" /></a>Many Canadians want the federal government to keep the election promise of electoral reform but the government appears to be wavering. Let's show our support for the hard work of the special parliamentary committee (ERRE) on electoral reform and our support for change. Let's send a crystal clear message to the federal government - we want proportional representation! <br> <br> One immediate way that you can help is to complete the online survey by the government that is now underway, at <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydemocracy.ca%2F&amp;e=58dcbe4ab933164ae05d7615ce46e3c3&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=dec2016nwsltr&amp;n=10" target="_blank"> https://www.mydemocracy.ca/</a>. All Canadians were notified of this survey via postcards. Seize this opportunity, encourage others to do the same, and share your opinions broadly. <br> <br> Although some of the survey <a title="PressProgress" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pressprogress.ca%2F8_signs_the_data_from_the_trudeau_government_online_electoral_reform_survey_is_useless&amp;e=58dcbe4ab933164ae05d7615ce46e3c3&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=dec2016nwsltr&amp;n=11" target="_blank"> questions are misleading</a>, we encourage you to respond. Fair Vote Canada has more information on the survey and its limitations. <a title="Fair Vote Canada" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=http%3A%2F%2Fmycanadiandemocracy.ca%2F&amp;e=58dcbe4ab933164ae05d7615ce46e3c3&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=dec2016nwsltr&amp;n=12" target="_blank"> Check their website here to decipher the survey: the myths, the traps and the facts</a>. <br> <br> To help ensure that the government receives a tidal wave of interest in electoral reform, our fellow Greens in the Barrie-Innisfil riding, led by CEO Bonnie North, had a brilliant idea - an action kit called<strong> <a title="Operation Postcard" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.greenparty.ca%2Fen%2Foperation-postcard&amp;e=13189f788626bea2597d17eb82d06c2b6179f040&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=161214_sun&amp;n=15&amp;e=58dcbe4ab933164ae05d7615ce46e3c3&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=dec2016nwsltr&amp;n=13" target="_blank"> "Operation Postcard"</a></strong>. This link takes you directly to great ideas and useful tools that you can use to bring people together and make our voices heard via the online survey, social media, letters to the editor, and more. They even have an <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.greenparty.ca%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fprint_at_home_postcard.pdf&amp;e=58dcbe4ab933164ae05d7615ce46e3c3&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=dec2016nwsltr&amp;n=14" target="_blank"> alternative postcard with 'I want Proportional Representation - Please Keep your Promise!</a> that you can print and mail to Prime Minister Trudeau or Minister Monsef.<br> <br> And, wait, there's more! There is <a title="GPC survey -the real questions" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.greenparty.ca%2Fen%2Fthe-real-questions&amp;e=58dcbe4ab933164ae05d7615ce46e3c3&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=dec2016nwsltr&amp;n=15" target="_blank"> another survey from the GPC</a> <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.greenparty.ca%2Fen%2Fthe-real-questions&amp;e=13189f788626bea2597d17eb82d06c2b6179f040&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=161214_sun&amp;n=16&amp;e=58dcbe4ab933164ae05d7615ce46e3c3&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=dec2016nwsltr&amp;n=16" target="_blank"> </a>where you can provide more feedback to the federal government. Let's encourage all Canadians to let them know that we really do care about improving Canadian democracy!</p>
<h2>The future really is in your hands!</h2>
<h2>
<br> Upcoming Events</h2>
<p>Just in case you thought Elizabeth May might be slowing down after the herculean effort for electoral reform, here is her MP town hall schedule for January 2017. Please note - these are non-partisan events for all Saanich Gulf-Island constituents.<br> <br> <img class="CToWUd a6T" style="vertical-align: middle;" title="EMstownhallsceduleJan_2017.jpg" src="https://ci5.googleusercontent.com/proxy/mrlQTDxwiNpeFAxQX5FBueygGham6TIMudpRBxvFCd54BQxeiT0stsULMoadQaJ-zZjwFvoVw_aTwZzNz8Zn1fxTEpPXY3HTa7_5y7SQm-mjF7J8jCDUlePcSmbGjs79quGt1WtaNlkXbTz0647WNcVAMaRpXlf3K562cgU9Degb9ts-2lmmY0VsHcK-ZQQLlLDquFXwn6mzM67QjaMzVjbCH4O5qA=s0-d-e1-ft#http://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/mailings/599/attachments/original/EMstownhallsceduleJan_2017.jpg?1481753533" alt="EMstownhallsceduleJan_2017.jpg" width="750" height="355" /></p>
<p>Please share this newsletter! Let us know what you think. </p>
<p>Follow us on <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FSGIGreens%3Fref_src%3Dtwsrc%255Etfw&amp;e=58dcbe4ab933164ae05d7615ce46e3c3&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=dec2016nwsltr&amp;n=17" target="_blank"> Twitter via @SGIGreens</a> and <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSGIGreens%2F&amp;e=58dcbe4ab933164ae05d7615ce46e3c3&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=dec2016nwsltr&amp;n=18" target="_blank"> like us on Facebook</a>. </p>
<p> </p>Thu, 15 Dec 2016 12:14:00 -0800Ann Eastmanhttp://www.sgigreenparty.ca/december_2016_newsletter
October 2016 Newsletter<p><strong>In this edition:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Canadians Ready for Electoral Reform, Really</strong></li>
<li><strong>What's at Stake</strong></li>
<li><strong>Take Action!</strong></li>
<li><strong>Upcoming Events</strong></li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>Canadians Ready for Electoral Reform, Really<br></strong></h2>
<p><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="committee_at.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/809/attachments/original/1477605438/committee_at.jpg?1477605438" alt="committee_at.jpg" width="325" height="244" />The Special Committee on Electoral Reform (ERRE) just finished their public meetings (in every province and territory across Canada). Our MP Elizabeth May pointed out that the <a title="Elizabeth May Ottawa Citizen" href="http://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/columnists/may-electoral-reform-committee-has-set-records-for-public-consultation-lets-not-throw-that-away" target="_blank">ERRE committee set the record for public consultation</a>. Canadians have an historic opportunity to revamp our electoral system. </p>
<p>Elizabeth participated in all 46 ERRE meetings, 17 on the road. Our local Green Media group joined in virtually, <a title="Electoral Reform Committee meetings" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/electoral_reform?e=13189f788626bea2597d17eb82d06c2b6179f040&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=aug2016nwslr&amp;n=11&amp;test_email=1" target="_blank">kept us up to date</a>, and gave the Committee a rousing welcome at the Victoria airport. You can <a title="Add your voice" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/30_ministers" target="_blank">add your voice</a> to the discussion by letter writing, emailing, calling, or tweeting, <a title="minister contact" target="_blank">all 30 cabinet ministers.</a></p>
<p>ERRE committee members of all political stripes agree that meeting participants <em>overwhelmingly support proportional representation</em> (PR). The Green Party of Canada supports PR, the NDP <a title="NDP submission on PR" href="https://ipolitics.ca/2016/10/12/ndp-pitch-to-electoral-reform-committee-pr-or-bust/" target="_blank">support PR</a>, and over <a title="FairVoteCanada" href="http://www.fairvote.ca/the-governments-only-legitimate-option-is-proportional-representation-pr/" target="_blank">89 per cent of experts </a>who testified at ERRE meetings recommend PR.<br><br>Unfortunately, from the get go the Conservative and Bloc Quebecois ERRE committee members insisted that a referendum is needed before any change to our voting system. <a title="Liberal MP Mark Holland calls the Conservative language 'partisan nonsense.'" href="https://www.hilltimes.com/2016/10/19/conservative-letter-electors-claims-liberal-scheme-rig-next-election/84673" target="_blank">Conservative held 'household' votes</a> over the summer, and lo, in response to their survey found 90 per cent support a referendum. </p>
<p>This reveals the problems with a referendum - it is highly likely that partisan politics will affect the results. Previous efforts in BC and elsewhere show that a complex or <a title="Ottawa should avoid referendum on electoral reform over danger of a vote based on ‘outright lies,’ expert says" href="http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/canadian-politics/ottawa-should-avoid-referendum-on-electoral-reform-over-danger-of-a-vote-based-on-outright-lies-expert-says" target="_blank">biased referendum question</a> will result in a vote against PR. Experts say that is not realistic to expect voters to be <a title="Political scientists recommend against electoral reform referendum" href="http://ipolitics.ca/2016/07/25/political-scientists-recommend-against-electoral-reform-referendum/" target="_blank">positive about something that they have not experienced</a>. <br><br>It is also clear that the <a title="Referendum on voting reform not necessary, election chief says" href="http://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/referendum-on-voting-reform-not-necessary-election-chief-says-1.3096532" target="_blank">government can legally proceed</a> to change the electoral system without a referendum, that a referendum would be costly ($300 million), and effectively make it impossible to implement any reforms to the voting system in time for the next federal election. <br><br>Fortunately, when Prime Minister Trudeau recently appeared to be waffling on the election promise to change the electoral system, claiming that Canadians don't need change since they are happier with the current government, <a title="Trudeau taking heat for walking back electoral reform" href="https://ipolitics.ca/2016/10/19/trudeau-backing-away-from-voting-system-change/" target="_blank">he was vigorously challenged</a>. <br><br>So, what's next? The ERRE Committee report will be given to the government December 1 and we shall see. There is one more chance to speak with Minister Monsef (see <strong>Upcoming Events</strong> below). <br><br>Stay tuned! <a title="Contact us" href="mailto:saanichgulfislands@greenparty.ca" target="_blank">Contact us</a> if you would like to join the Green Media group and <a title="The Tyee" href="http://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2016/10/20/Trudeau-Electoral-Reform-Promise/?utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_content=102016-3&amp;utm_campaign=editorial-1016" target="_blank">encourage the Liberals to honour this promise to Canadians</a>.</p>
<h2><strong>What's At Stake </strong></h2>
<p><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="earthheart.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/809/attachments/original/1477605363/earthheart.jpg?1477605363" alt="earthheart.jpg" width="325" height="300" />The ongoing problems with the majoritarian, first-past-the-post system continue to plague Canada. In a nutshell, once elected a majority government can simply do what it wants, with little or no debate or input from the other elected representatives. Canadians thought the Liberals would behave differently than the Conservative, but no. <br><br>A few recent examples of why majoritarian governments do not serve us well:<br><strong><br>Bill C-51</strong> This highly controversial legislation, introduced during the Harper regime, is a good example of what can go wrong with a false majority. Although the Liberals did support the bill when introduced in 2015, they also said that they would 'fix it'. But now that they can, they haven't. <a title="UVic Green Townhall on Bill C-51 'Criminalizing Canadian Values'" href="https://youtu.be/10mMN419uqg" target="_blank">Elizabeth May led the opposition to the bill</a> and has a wealth of information on <a title="articles, in parliament..." href="http://elizabethmaymp.ca/?s=C-51" target="_blank">why this anti-terror bill actually makes us less safe</a>. <br><br>The government <a title="Huffington Post" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/09/08/liberals-security-review_n_11906140.html" target="_blank">launched an online consultation</a> with Canadians on security. <a title="Security Consultation" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/services/defence/nationalsecurity/consultation-national-security.html" target="_blank">Let them know Bill C-51 has to go!</a><br><br><strong>'Pretend' Action on Climate Change</strong> In complete contradiction to meeting the Paris Accord agreement to keep warming below an increase of 1.5 degrees C, the Canadian government kept Harper's woefully inadequate targets. <br><br>And, worse, Canada will not even meet these if projects such as the Petronus Liquefied Natural Gas project, the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion, and Energy East proceed. <a title="EM questions decision" href="http://elizabethmaymp.ca/elizabeth-may-question-on-petronas-lng-permits/" target="_blank">Recent federal approval for the Petronus project is nothing short of shocking</a>. It ignores the science, the economics and the environmental impacts.<br><br><strong>A New Relationship with First Nations</strong> The investigation into missing and murdered Aboriginal women is a good sign. But the recent <a title="Toronto Star " href="https://www.thestar.com/opinion/commentary/2016/09/28/site-c-dam-approval-another-violation-of-first-nations-rights.html" target="_blank">federal government approvals for the Site C dam on the Peace River in BC are in stark opposition</a> to any claim for a more respectful relationship with First Nations. Indigenous leaders gave the federal government <a title="FN Leaders give Liberals a Failing Grade" href="https://ca.news.yahoo.com/indigenous-leaders-give-liberals-a-failing-grade-165804972.html" target="_blank">a failing grade for their empty promises</a>.</p>
<h2><strong>Take Action!</strong></h2>
<p><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="rosie.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/809/attachments/original/1477605354/rosie.jpg?1477605354" alt="rosie.jpg" width="300" height="388" />We don't need any more evidence that democracy in Canada needs help. We need and deserve a government that governs based on fair representation, evidence, and consensus. <br><br>The wise council of Elizabeth May is needed. The Green Party of Canada is needed.<br><br>The GPC must provide a compelling example of the positive power of consensus-based decision-making but it is at a cross-roads: The recent policy change to use Robert's Rules of Order is a mistake that undermines our credibility. <br><br>If you are a GPC member, <strong><a title="Vote no" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/protect_consensus" target="_blank">please vote '<em>No</em>' to ratifying resolution G16-C008 so we can return to the Green Rules for policy development and decisions</a></strong>. <br><br>The future is in your hands!</p>
<h2>Upcoming Events</h2>
<p>Get the latest on <a title="Events" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/events" target="_blank">Upcoming Events in Saanich Gulf-Islands by clicking here</a>.<br><br><strong>Meeting with Minister Maryam Monsef on Electoral Reform, Thursday Oct 29, Victoria</strong><br><strong><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="maryam-monsef.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/809/attachments/original/1477605340/maryam-monsef.jpg?1477605340" alt="maryam-monsef.jpg" width="250" height="254" /></strong>One more chance to let Minister Monsef know how important proportional representation is to Canadians!<br>There is a special roundtable from 3-4 pm to hear from seniors on the issue of electoral reform, plus an open session from 7-9pm. <br><br><strong>When: </strong>Thursday, October 27, 3-4 pm, 7-9pm<strong><br>Where: </strong><a title="Harbour Towers" href="https://goo.gl/maps/A1gGaxMCafz%20" target="_blank">Harbour Towers Hotel &amp; Suites</a> 345 Quebec St., Victoria<br>3-4 pm Saanich Room 205 <br>7-9 pm McKenzie Rom<br><br><br><strong>Town Hall with Elizabeth May on Bill C-51 and National Security, Tuesday Nov. 8, Victoria</strong><br><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="Bill_C-51_charter.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/809/attachments/original/1477605377/Bill_C-51_charter.jpg?1477605377" alt="Bill_C-51_charter.jpg" width="250" height="210" />Elizabeth May will be hosting a <a title="Town Hall on C-51" href="https://www.greenparty.ca/en/content/town-hall-c-51" target="_blank">town hall</a> to discuss Bill C-51 and Canadian national security. <br><br>This is a non-partisan event open to the public.<br><br><strong>When: </strong>Tuesday, November 8, 7 pm<strong><br>Where: </strong>Room B150, Bob Wright Centre, University of Victoria, Victoria<br><br><br><strong><a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/maude_barlow?utm_campaign=oct2016nwsltr&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca" target="_blank">An Evening With Maude Barlow</a>, Sunday Nov. 20, Sidney</strong><br><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="MaudeBarlow.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/809/attachments/original/1477605391/MaudeBarlow.jpg?1477605391" alt="MaudeBarlow.jpg" width="250" height="175" />This event is part of the Saanich Gulf-Islands Eminent Speakers Series. It is a special opportunity to hear from Maude Barlow, National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians, best-selling author, and activist for a discussion on Canada's water crisis. Seating is limited - you can <a title="an evening with Maude Barlow" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/maude_barlow" target="_blank">buy your tickets here</a>. Doors open at 6:00pm.<br><br><strong>When: </strong>Sunday, November 20, 6:30 pm<strong><br>Where: </strong><a title="SHOAL Centre" href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/10030+Resthaven+Dr,+Sidney,+BC+V8L+3G4,+Canada/@48.6540467,-123.4050807,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x548f67d6a918956b:0xd84a19ed3a18dfbe!8m2!3d48.6540467!4d-123.402892" target="_blank">SHOAL Centre</a>, 10030 Resthaven Dr., Sidney, BC<br><br></p>
<p><strong>Special Meeting of the Green Party of Canada - Dec. 3-4, Calgary </strong><br><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="Balance.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/809/attachments/original/1477605445/Balance.jpg?1477605445" alt="Balance.jpg" width="250" height="250" />This is an important opportunity for Green Party of Canada members to discuss:<br><br>1. The recommendations of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reform.</p>
<p>2. Policy resolutions passed at the August 2016 Convention which did not achieve consensus. </p>
<p>3. Improving the processes for policy development.<br><br><strong>For more on why this is such an important meeting, <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/calgary" target="_blank">click here</a>. </strong>You can <a title="SGM registration" href="https://www.greenparty.ca/en/sgm-2016/registration" target="_blank">register here</a>.</p>
<p><strong>When: </strong>Saturday and Sunday, December 3-4<strong><br>Where: </strong>Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, 1301 16 Ave NW, Calgary, AB<br><br>Please share this newsletter! Let us know what you think. </p>Thu, 27 Oct 2016 14:57:50 -0700Ann Eastmanhttp://www.sgigreenparty.ca/october_2016_newsletter
August 2016 Newsletter<p><strong>In this edition:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Electoral Reform - Fast Facts</strong></li>
<li><strong>Take Action!</strong></li>
<li><strong>Upcoming Events</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>
<strong>Electoral Reform - Fast Facts</strong> </h3>
<p>Canadians have wanted to improve electoral system for decades. Now is our chance! A few points to consider:</p>
<h3><strong>Fact #1 We Need to Improve Our Voting System</strong></h3>
<p><a title="GPC Electoral Reform Toolbox" href="https://www.greenparty.ca/en/get-involved/proportional-representation" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="Make_Every_Vote_Count-2.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/807/attachments/original/1477603823/Make_Every_Vote_Count-2.jpg?1477603823" alt="Make_Every_Vote_Count-2.jpg" width="325" height="225" /></a><strong>The status quo isn’t good enough for democracy in 21st century Canada. </strong><br><br>The old <em>‘if it ain't broke, don’t fix it</em><strong>' </strong>only applies if all is well, but as Canadian journalist <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3aKxZgV7Rs">Andrew Coyne points out</a>, all is not well with our electoral system.<strong> </strong><br><br>Our current first past-the-post (FPTP) system is an antiquated majoritarian, winner-take-all approach that fuels partisan politics. The reality TV show election south of our border is an interesting illustration of the divisive politics that are encouraged by FPTP.</p>
<p><a href="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/broadbent/pages/5254/attachments/original/1472492438/Submission_to_the_Special_Committee_on_Electoral_Reform.pdf?1472492438">The Broadbent Institute's submission</a> submission to the Special Committee on Electoral Reform is another excellent summary of why electoral reform matters or you can watch <a href="http://www.cpac.ca/en/house-portal/#).">Mr. Broadbent’s presentation</a> on August 29 (starting at 7:04). He comments that a survey of Canadians right after the 2015 election discovered, “<em>46 per cent voted for a party that was <strong>not</strong> their first choice</em>”, so-called strategic voting for the party most likely to win to prevent a worse outcome.</p>
<h3><strong>Fact #2 Having Proportional Representation <strong>Matters </strong></strong></h3>
<h3>
<strong><a title="FairVoteCanada" href="http://www.fairvote.ca/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="FairVoteCanada.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/807/attachments/original/1477603833/FairVoteCanada.jpg?1477603833" alt="FairVoteCanada.jpg" width="325" height="200" /></a></strong><strong style="font-size: 12px;">It <em>really</em> matters</strong><span style="font-size: 12px;">. </span>
</h3>
<p>This is our chance to make history! A truly representative democracy is within reach. </p>
<p>The FPTP electoral system has led to over a dozen federal governments with <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=http%3A%2F%2Fdenisfalvey.com%2Fessays%2Ffalse-majority%2F&amp;e=13189f788626bea2597d17eb82d06c2b6179f040&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=aug2016nwslr&amp;n=4&amp;test_email=1" target="_blank">false majorities</a>, that is, governments with all of the power elected by less than a majority of votes. The current majority Liberal government was elected in 2015 with 39.5 per cent of the actual vote; the votes of <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nationalobserver.com%2F2015%2F12%2F23%2Fopinion%2Ftrudeau-must-turf-first-past-post-system-once-and-all&amp;e=13189f788626bea2597d17eb82d06c2b6179f040&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=aug2016nwslr&amp;n=5&amp;test_email=1" target="_blank">over 9 million Canadian voters did not elect a representative</a>.</p>
<p>One of the best (or worst) <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pressprogress.ca%2F7_strangest_election_results_in_history_produced_by_canada_broken_voting_system&amp;e=13189f788626bea2597d17eb82d06c2b6179f040&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=aug2016nwslr&amp;n=6&amp;test_email=1" target="_blank">examples of the distortions caused by our FPTP system</a> is the 1993 federal election. The Liberals gained a majority government with 41 per cent of the vote, the Progressive Conservative’s held onto only 2 seats with 16 per cent, and the separatist Bloc Quebecois party became the official opposition with 13.5 per cent.</p>
<p>We can make Canadian history by supporting a more representative, fair electoral system. The time is now! </p>
<h3><strong>Fact #3 <strong>Proportional Representation Will Not Lead to Chaos</strong></strong></h3>
<h3><strong><a href="http://www.fairvote.ca/action/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="imagine.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/807/attachments/original/1477603869/imagine.jpg?1477603869" alt="imagine.jpg" width="275" height="275" /></a></strong></h3>
<p><strong><strong>PR is working just fine for the democratic countries that use it.</strong> <br><br></strong>Misinformation about PR is surprisingly common. Some suggest that it leads to extremist views having disproportional influence or that progress is paralyzed by the need for consensus. <br><br>This is neatly dismissed in <a title="National Post" href="http://news.nationalpost.com/full-comment/andrew-coyne-no-proportional-representation-would-not-turn-canada-into-a-dystopian-hellhole" target="_blank">Andrew Coyne: No, proportional representation would not turn Canada into a dystopian hellhole</a>.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.votebetter.ca/mythbusting-pr/">more than 90 democratic countries with PR</a> electoral systems have <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwikisum.com%2Fw%2FLijphart%3A_Patterns_of_democracy&amp;e=13189f788626bea2597d17eb82d06c2b6179f040&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=aug2016nwslr&amp;n=7&amp;test_email=1" target="_blank">consensus-based democracies</a> that successfully result in:</p>
<p>* More stability by governments without polarized swings from election to election.<br>* Greater fiscal responsibility.<br>* More women elected.<br>* Less income inequality.<br>* Greater cultural and ethnic diversity.<br>* Better environmental protection.</p>
<h3>Fact #4 Canadians Are Being Consulted</h3>
<p><a title="Electoral Reforn Events Schedule" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/electoral_reform?e=13189f788626bea2597d17eb82d06c2b6179f040&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=aug2016nwslr&amp;n=11&amp;test_email=1" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="EM-democratic_reform_.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/807/attachments/original/1477604264/EM-democratic_reform_.jpg?1477604264" alt="EM-democratic_reform_.jpg" width="325" height="250" /></a><strong>You can attend public sessions, watch the presentations, and <a title="ER page" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/electoral_reform?e=13189f788626bea2597d17eb82d06c2b6179f040&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=aug2016nwslr&amp;n=11&amp;test_email=1" target="_blank">send your thoughts</a> to the Special Committee on Electoral Reform.</strong><br><br>Elizabeth May is a full voting member of the Committee, actively championing a better, more fair system for Canada. <br><br>The Committee is intensively studying options and reviewing submissions from Canadians. Different electoral systems, online voting, and more are being carefully considered. The Committee has just started an intensive two-month schedule of consultations across Canada. <a title="schedule" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/campaign/electoral-reform/participate-in-canadian-federal-electoral-reform-consultations/attend-a-canadian-federal-electoral-reform-event.html" target="_blank">Click here for the full schedule</a>. <br><br>For more information and the latest news from the Committee, see <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/electoral_reform?e=13189f788626bea2597d17eb82d06c2b6179f040&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=aug2016nwslr&amp;n=11&amp;test_email=1" target="_blank">our blog on the Special Committee on Electoral Reform</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<h3><strong>Fact #5 Changing Our Electoral System is Not Too Complicated</strong></h3>
<h3><strong><a href="http://rabble.ca/news/2016/04/proportional-representation-canada-primer" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="Rabble2016_01_2families5.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/807/attachments/original/1477603768/Rabble2016_01_2families5.jpg?1477603768" alt="Rabble2016_01_2families5.jpg" width="325" height="225" /></a><br></strong></h3>
<p>We have a great Special Committee on Electoral Reform receiving submissions from experts from around the world. <br><br>The Committee goal - to recommend the best system for Canada. Watch the <a href="http://www.cpac.ca/en/house-portal/">testimony presented</a> to the Electoral Reform Committee. </p>
<p>For details on the different electoral systems, <a href="http://www.samaracanada.com/docs/default-source/Reports/electoral-reform-report.pdf?sfvrsn=4">Samara Canada</a> and <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fairvote.ca%2F&amp;e=13189f788626bea2597d17eb82d06c2b6179f040&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=aug2016nwslr&amp;n=13&amp;test_email=1" target="_blank">Fair Vote Canada</a> have a wealth of information. </p>
<h3>Take Action! </h3>
<p>* To keep up with Elizabeth's work on the Electoral Reform Committee, <a title="SGI Electoral Reform blog" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/electoral_reform?e=13189f788626bea2597d17eb82d06c2b6179f040&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=aug2016nwslr&amp;n=11&amp;test_email=1" target="_blank">check our blog</a>. <br>* To support Elizabeth on social media, see <a title="Tweet4Canada" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/tweet4canada" target="_blank">Tweet4Canada</a>. <br>* To do more, see the Green Party of Canada's <a title="GPC toolbox" href="https://www.greenparty.ca/en/get-involved/proportional-representation" target="_blank">Electoral Reform Toolbox</a>. It has sample letters, petitions, handouts, and images to use on social media.<strong><br></strong></p>
<p><br>Please share this newsletter! Let us know what you think. <br><br>Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/SGIGreens?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">Twitter via @SGIGreens</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SGIGreens/" target="_blank">like us on Facebook</a>. </p>Thu, 27 Oct 2016 14:40:00 -0700Ann Eastmanhttp://www.sgigreenparty.ca/august_2016_newsletter
June 2016 Newlsetter<p><strong>In this edition:<br></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Good News for Canadian Democracy </strong></li>
<li><strong>Food for Thought </strong></li>
<li>
<strong><strong>LNG Processing Facility in Saanich Inlet</strong></strong><strong><br></strong>
</li>
<li><strong>Upcoming Events</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Good News for Canadian Democracy</h3>
<p><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="e_on_committee_0.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/700/attachments/original/1467738584/e_on_committee_0.jpg?1467738584" alt="e_on_committee_0.jpg" width="350" height="144" />The Special Committee on Electoral Reform finally began its important work at its <a title="June 21 meeting" href="http://www.cpac.ca/en/programs/in-committee-house-of-commons/episodes/48126251/" target="_blank">first meeting June 21</a>. The Liberals <a title="Global News Jun 2 2016" href="http://globalnews.ca/news/2737296/liberals-agree-to-give-up-majority-on-electoral-reform-committee/" target="_blank">no longer have a majority on the committee</a>, Ms. May is recognized as an equal voice and is clearly respected by her colleagues on the committee (see the <a title="ER cttee 1st meeting" href="http://www.cpac.ca/en/programs/in-committee-house-of-commons/episodes/48126251/" target="_blank">first meeting video here</a>). <br><br>Now Canada's hardest working MP, Elizabeth May, will be busy this summer helping to develop recommendations to strengthen Canadian democracy and ensure the composition of parliament reflects Canadian votes. In this <a title="CTV" href="http://www.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=900939" target="_blank">recent CTV interview</a>, Elizabeth discusses the importance of the Green Party of Canada to help parliament and why changing our electoral system will benefit us all. Stay tuned! <br><br>For more information on electoral reform, why it is so important and how virtually any version of proportional representation would be better than the first past the post system, visit the <a title="Fair Vote Canada" href="http://www.fairvote.ca/" target="_blank">Fair Vote Canada website here</a>.<br><br></p>
<h3>Food for Thought</h3>
<p><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="beatiful_veggies.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/700/attachments/original/1467738597/beatiful_veggies.jpg?1467738597" alt="beatiful_veggies.jpg" width="350" height="255" />Summer is here and the bounty of local food is marvellous. Ripe, sweet berries of all sorts, fresh vegetables, and luscious cherries abound. We are so fortunate in BC. We can produce over 250 foods and approximately half of what we need in the province, all from a relatively small amount of agricultural land. Yet as the global population grows and <a title="California Fire Season" href="https://www.newsdeeply.com/water/articles/2016/06/27/perfect-storm-brewing-for-california-fire-season" target="_blank">wildfires and drought in California</a> and elsewhere affect food production, it is clear that we must become even more self-reliant. </p>
<p>With this in mind the deliberate loss of over 13,00 hectares (32,000 acres) of valuable farmland in the Peace River Valley is a questionable move. This is the area that will be flooded by the construction of Site C, the 3<sup>rd</sup> hydroelectric dam on the Peace River. The permanent flooding and erosion of arable land, a breadbasket that could <a title="CommonsenseCanadian" href="http://commonsensecanadian.ca/peace-valleys-extraordinary-agricultural-values-threatened-site-c-dam/" target="_blank">grow enough to feed a million people</a>, is a high price to pay for a megapower project that <a title="National Observer" href="http://www.nationalobserver.com/2016/05/24/news/royal-society-canada-academics-call-site-c-dam-test-trudeau-liberals#" target="_blank">many question for many reasons</a>. <br><br><a title="Tyee-Adrian Dix" href="http://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2016/06/27/Site-C-No-Benefits/#disqus_thread" target="_blank">The electricity is not needed</a>. Electricity demand in BC is declining; we may never need the proposed extra 1,100-megawatts power. The power required for natural gas fracking in north eastern BC is not (hopefully!) going to increase. The economic rationale for aggressive development of this industry in BC has faltered with the global glut of natural gas. And more of us are questioning the logic of investing <a title="Desmog blog" href="http://desmog.ca/2015/08/04/exclusive-site-c-dam-devastating-british-columbians-says-former-ceo-bc-hydro" target="_blank">$9 to 12 billion of taxpayers’ money on a mega hydro project</a> that will decrease our food security.<br><br>Head of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, <a title="The Tyee Feb 2016" href="http://thetyee.ca/News/2016/02/23/Site-C-Climate-Disaster/" target="_blank">Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, stated it bluntly</a>, "Site C is a make-work project intended to hide the failure of Premier Christy Clark's "pipe dream" of creating a liquefied natural gas industry". <br><br>The Green Party has <a href="http://elizabethmaymp.ca/?s=Site+C" target="_blank">long opposed Site C</a> for environmental reasons and to honour First Nations treaty rights. Please consider supporting groups with campaigns opposing the Site C dam, such as the <a title="Wilderness Committee" href="https://www.wildernesscommittee.org/sitec" target="_blank">Wilderness Committee</a> and <a href="https://secure.leadnow.ca/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1694&amp;ea.campaign.id=52957&amp;ea.url.id=644093&amp;forwarded=true" target="_blank">Leadnow.ca</a>.<br><br></p>
<h3>LNG Processing Facility in Saanich Inlet</h3>
<p><a title="Eoin Finn" href="http://www.northsaanich.ca/Assets/Current+Projects/Malahat+LNG/Eoin+Finn.pdf" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="Eoin_Finn.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/700/attachments/original/1467738587/Eoin_Finn.jpg?1467738587" alt="Eoin_Finn.jpg" width="350" height="254" /></a>On May 31, over 600 people attended a public meeting in Sidney hosted by the District of North Saanich on the proposed Malahat/Steelhead LNG (liquefied natural gas) processing project. Audio recordings of the meeting and all presentations are <a title="NorthSaanich Muncipal" href="http://www.northsaanich.ca/Municipal_Hall/Departments/Planning_and_Community_Services/Malahat_LNG.htm" target="_blank">available here</a>.<br><br>The panelists included Chief Don Tom, from the Tsartlip First Nation, but representing the four peninsula W̱SÁNEĆ First Nations; Frank Whitney, Emeritus Scientist for Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Dr. Eoin Finn, Retired Partner KPMG; Alex Brigden, Steelhead LNG Project Director for Steelhead; Renee Racette, Malahat Nation CEO; Dr. Robin Pitblado, VP DNV Energy North America; and <a href="http://www.vancouversun.com/news/vaughn+palmer+gordon+wilson+defends+advocate/11739259/story.html" target="_blank">Gordon Wilson, the Buy BC LNG advocate</a>. </p>
<p>The panel moderator did his best to ensure civility, but many attendees found the project proponents' information vague. Gordon Wilson's outbursts were disconcerting. In response to <a href="http://www.northsaanich.ca/Assets/Current+Projects/Malahat+LNG/Eoin+Finn.pdf" target="_blank">Dr. Finn's presentation</a>, Mr. Wilson said that he has travelled to 35 communities in BC including 15 First Nations and "<em>none of them believes what you just heard from Eoin Finn</em>" and "<em>it's not even good science fiction</em>". He also stated that he "<em>doesn't go as an advocate for LNG</em>". Mr. Wilson has received an annual salary of $150,000 from BC taxpayers since 2013, a contract the provincial government has recently extended until 2018.</p>
<p>It was a very different atmosphere at the LNG town hall for constituents hosted several days later by Elizabeth May in the same venue. No security checks required, questions and comments welcomed. <br><br><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="SaanichINlet.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/700/attachments/original/1467738624/SaanichINlet.jpg?1467738624" alt="SaanichINlet.jpg" width="350" height="238" />At this meeting, one audience member identified what may be the real reason for the Malahat/Steelhead LNG project - the opportunity for the US-based company Williams Companies to circumvent US regulators, who have denied all efforts to build LNG plants on their west coast. The Steelhead project would need an undersea pipeline from Cherry Point in Washington State to the Island to deliver the high volumes of natural gas for the energy-intensive liquefaction process (900 million cubic feet of natural gas per day).</p>
<p class="p1">The audience member pointed out that the proposed pipeline is actually an extension of Williams’ vast US network, plus their connection to the Spectre pipeline in BC. It would be hard to dictate to any company where to source their product, so the gas could just as easily come from Williams’ refineries in the fracking fields of the American Midwest. Further, if regulatory approvals are obtained for this pipeline, any future attempts by BC or Canada to change regulations for LNG (<a href="http://elizabethmaymp.ca/why-is-canadian-lng-largely-unregulated/" target="_blank">since we have few</a>) or restrict its export, could be challenged under NAFTA (or other investor-state protections). </p>
<p>Regardless of corporate motivations, any industrial development in the Saanich Inlet would be a foot in the door for more projects. <br><br>Saanich Gulf-Island residents can learn more about the <a title="CommonsenseCanadian" href="http://commonsensecanadian.ca/VIDEO-detail/new-video-shows-serious-dangers-posed-lng-tankers/" target="_blank">hazards of LNG on the BC coast here</a>. For specific information on the Steelhead/Malhat LNG proposal, see <a href="http://www.adamolsen.ca/blog/2016/5/5/island-tides-malahat-lng" target="_blank">this blog</a> and <a href="http://www.adamolsen.ca/blog/2016/6/1/video-thoughts-on-the-malahat-lng-town-hall" target="_blank">video</a> by Adam Olsen, Deputy Leader of the BC Green Party. <br><br>To take action, join the second <a href="http://www.saanichinlet.net/events/2016/7/9/paddle-for-the-inlet" target="_blank">Paddle for the Saanich Inlet</a> on July 9 (see Upcoming Events below). The event is to celebrate the beauty of the inlet and show solidarity with those opposed to the Steelhead LNG project. </p>
<h3>Upcoming Events</h3>
<div class="truncate-200">
<p><strong><a title="Paddle for the Inlet II" href="http://www.saanichinlet.net/events/2016/7/9/paddle-for-the-inlet" target="_blank">Paddle for the Saanich Inlet II</a>, July 9, 2-6pm, Brentwood Bay BC</strong></p>
<p>The Saanich inlet Network is organizing another paddle to celebrate the Saanich Inlet and raise awareness of the proposed 6 million tonne LNG (liquefied natural gas) processing facility. For more information and to RSVP, please click <a title="Paddle for the Inlet II" href="http://www.saanichinlet.net/events/2016/7/9/paddle-for-the-inlet" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<div>
<strong>When:</strong> Saturday July 9, 2pm - 6pm<br><strong>Where:</strong> Brentwood Bay, BC</div>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/lng_town_hall" target="_blank"><br></a><a title="GPC Convention" href="https://www.greenparty.ca/en/convention-2016" target="_blank">Green Party of Canada Convention</a>, August 5-7, Ottawa, ON<br><br></strong>To register for the convention or to sign up to receive updates on the convention schedule and program, click <a title="GPC Canvention" href="https://www.greenparty.ca/en/convention-2016" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
</div>
<p><strong>When: </strong>Friday August 5 to Sunday August 7<strong><br>Where: </strong>Delta City Centre, Ottawa</p>Tue, 05 Jul 2016 10:12:00 -0700Thomas Teuwenhttp://www.sgigreenparty.ca/june_2016_newlsetter
May 2016 Newsletter<p><strong>In this edition:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Keep It In the Ground</strong></li>
<li><strong>Liquefied Natural Gas in Saanich Inlet?</strong></li>
<li><strong>Upcoming Events</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>
<strong>Keep It in the Ground</strong> </h3>
<p><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="KeepItIntheGround.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/698/attachments/original/1467056908/KeepItIntheGround.jpg?1467056908" alt="KeepItIntheGround.jpg" width="350" height="254" />Enthusiastic participants and 'kayactivists' from Saanich Gulf-Islands, Victoria and beyond joined the protest May 14 against the twinning of the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline in Burnaby. The protests were part of the <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/break-free-rallies-burnaby-squamish-1.3583000" target="_blank">‘<em>Keep it in the Ground’</em></a> civil disobedience all over the globe urging governments to take meaningful action against climate change by stopping fossil fuel subsidies and development. <br><br>The message was loud and clear! Canadians will not accept the National Energy Board's (NEB) business-as-usual approval for every fossil fuel development project and diluted bitumen pipeline. Nor will Canadians accept the misinformation in mainstream media - it is not difficult to find <a href="http://www.nationalobserver.com/2016/05/30/opinion/kai-nagata-cbc-pretends-trans-mountains-69-oil-spills-never-happened" target="_blank">the truth about Kinder Morgan's track record with spills</a> and their ongoing, successful efforts to <a href="http://www.vancouverobserver.com/opinion/kinder-morgan-s-pipeline-expansion-wont-bring-fair-share-revenues-bc-open-letter" target="_blank">avoid paying taxes in Canada</a>. <br><br>“<em>These pipelines are not nation-building projects. They are catheters designed to drain a giant pool of carbon as cheaply as possible, so oilsands companies can keep the lights on for a few more years</em>.” <a href="http://www.desmog.ca/2016/05/20/who-really-benefits-pipelines-kinder-morgan-trans-mountain-anyways%20" target="_blank">Kai Nagata, Dogwood Initiative</a></p>
<p><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="Expect_Resistance.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/698/attachments/original/1467056929/Expect_Resistance.jpg?1467056929" alt="Expect_Resistance.jpg" width="350" height="301" />The new Canadian government gives the appearance of listening. It’s not clear, however, whether or not Minister Carr’s <a href="http://www.nationalobserver.com/2016/03/02/news/minister-carr-pledges-social-license-kinder-morgan-decision" target="_blank">additional review</a> process for the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain project will respond to community, scientist, and First Nations objections. <br><br>There is no doubt, however, that the citizens of Saanich-Gulf Islands and beyond will continue to protest. We do not support the investment of our tax dollars in petro projects that undermine positive action for the climate. And we do want to join the 21st century <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-05-25/clean-energy-jobs-surpass-oil-drilling-for-first-time-in-u-s" target="_blank">clean energy revolution</a>.<br><br></p>
<h3>
<strong>Liquefied Natural Gas Processing in Saanich Inlet? </strong> </h3>
<p><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="Malaht_LNG_facility.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/698/attachments/original/1467056949/Malaht_LNG_facility.jpg?1467056949" alt="Malaht_LNG_facility.jpg" width="350" height="211" />On the other side of the Salish Sea, Saanich Gulf-Island citizens are concerned about yet another fossil fuel development scheme that makes no sense - the Malahat LNG project in Saanich Inlet. Residents of Brentwood Bay, Saanichton, North Sidney, and Sidney are filling the rooms at information events hosted by the project proponents, environmental organizations, the newly formed <a href="http://www.saanichinlet.net/" target="_blank">Saanich Inlet Network</a>, and local governments. <br><br>The proposed LNG processing facility for the Saanich Inlet is a significant industrial development in a fragile ecosystem. Every 3 to 5 days, a LNG gas tanker would dock up to the LNG processing plant consisting of three massive floating platforms, fill up and leave the Saanich Inlet. The LNG facility would not be responsible for the pipeline coming to it, nor the tankers leaving for Asia.<br><br>There are compelling <a href="http://www.cheknews.ca/malahat-lng-project-moving-forward-despite-market-challenges-142262/" target="_blank">economic</a> and environmental arguments against the Malahat LNG project. Many people believe it could never proceed. Yet the NEB has already approved an export permit for 6 million tons of LNG per year from this proposed facility. <br><br>The federal approval of the Woodfibre LNG project in Squamish and the continued efforts of the pro-LNG BC provincial government to promote an industry that should be considered dead in the water are reasons to pay close attention to Malahat LNG. For detailed information on this proposal, check the <a href="http://www.saanichinlet.net/" target="_blank">Saanich Inlet Network</a> website.<br><br>Concerned? Then see you tonight at the ​North Saanich Town Hall on Malahat LNG. <span class="aBn">On Friday</span>, share your thoughts on LNG with Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament for Saanich Gulf-Islands at her Town Hall for all constituents. Ms. May will discuss LNG development in BC, including the <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/more-than-90-scientists-dispute-lng-projects-emissions-estimates/article30200244/" target="_blank">widely-criticized Petronus LNG project</a> that threatens Lulu Island and the Skeena River. For more information on the LNG town hall, <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/lng_town_hall" target="_blank">click here</a> or see <strong>Upcoming Events</strong> below. <br><br>To read more about LNG, <a href="http://elizabethmaymp.ca/wp-content/uploads/Summer-2016-Householder.pdf?4ae1cf" target="_blank">click here to see the Summer Newsletter from our MP, Elizabeth May</a>. You can also fill out a survey about LNG <a href="http://elizabethmaymp.ca/survey" target="_blank">here</a>. <br><br></p>
<h3>Upcoming Events</h3>
<div class="truncate-200">
<p><strong><a href="https://www.northsaanich.ca/Municipal_Hall/Departments/Planning_and_Community_Services/Malahat_LNG.htm" target="_blank">Public Information Meeting on on Malahat LNG Project</a>, May 31, 5 pm, Sidney</strong></p>
<p>The District of North Saanich hosts a public town hall on the proposed Malahat LNG project. There will be seven presenters in attendance representing opposing positions on the project. The panelists will include Steelhead LNG's Project Director, Tsartlip First Nation Chief Don Thom and Eoin Finn, an LNG expert from Squamish, BC. For more information<a href="https://www.northsaanich.ca/Municipal_Hall/Departments/Planning_and_Community_Services/Malahat_LNG.htm" target="_blank"> click here.</a></p>
<div>
<strong>When:</strong> Tuesday May 31, 5pm - 8pm<br><strong>Where:</strong> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=2243+Beacon+Ave%2C+Sidney%2C+BC+V8L+1W9%2C+Canada">Mary Winspear</a> in Sidney, BC</div>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/lng_town_hall" target="_blank"><br>LNG Town Hall with Elizabeth May</a>, June 3, 7pm Sidney<br><br></strong>Elizabeth May, MP for Saanich Gulf-Islands, will host a Town Hall meeting on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) with panelists retired scientist Dr. Eoin Finn and author Andrew Nikiforuk. A discussion and Q&amp;A led by Elizabeth will follow the panel. Elizabeth and the panelists will discuss the increasing prominence of LNG in British Columbia, and specific proposals that have the potential to affect local residents. At the moment, there are 19 LNG proposals across BC, including the Woodfibre LNG at the head of Howe Sound and the proposal by Steelhead LNG for the Malahat LNG processing project in Saanich Inlet. For more on LNG <a href="http://elizabethmaymp.ca/wp-content/uploads/Summer-2016-Householder.pdf?4ae1cf" target="_blank">click here</a> to read Elizabeth's recent community newsletter.</p>
</div>
<p><strong>When: </strong>Friday June 3, 7 pm<strong><br>Where: </strong><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=2243+Beacon+Ave%2C+Sidney%2C+BC+V8L+1W9%2C+Canada">Bodine Hall, Mary Winspear</a> in Sidney, BC<br><strong><a href="https://www.bcgreens.ca/convention/" target="_blank"><br><br>BC Green Party</a><a href="https://www.bcgreens.ca/convention/" target="_blank"> Convention</a> </strong>June 3, 4 and 5, Victoria</p>
<div>BC Greens hope to see you this weekend for the BC Green Party Convention. The success of the BC Greens is key to the future success of the Green Party of Canada. Elizabeth May, MP Saanich Gulf-Islands and Leader of the Green Party of Canada is the keynote speaker Saturday 4 June at noon, and David Suzuki is the gala dinner keynote speaker on Saturday night. For more information <a href="https://www.bcgreens.ca/convention/" target="_blank">click here</a>.<br><br><strong>When: </strong> June 3, 4 and 5<br><strong>Where:</strong> University of Victoria, Victoria, BC</div>
<p>Please share this newsletter! Let us know what you think. <br><br>Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/SGIGreens?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">Twitter via @SGIGreens</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SGIGreens/" target="_blank">like us on Facebook</a>. </p>Mon, 27 Jun 2016 12:51:42 -0700Ann Eastmanhttp://www.sgigreenparty.ca/may_2016_newsletter
April 2016 Newsletter<p><strong>In this edition:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Fossil Fuels - the Economic Myths</strong></li>
<li><strong>Take Action!</strong></li>
<li><strong>Upcoming Events</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>
<strong>Fossil Fuels - the Economic Myths</strong> </h3>
<p>The decline and fall of fossil energy is happening now, including ongoing <a href="http://www.environmentalleader.com/2016/04/15/exxon-calls-climate-related-subpoenas-an-assault-on-its-legal-rights/">court action against some of the biggest players</a> for misleading their shareholders about the impacts of climate change. Climate change deniers are switching from their tactic of confusing and distorting climate science to 'economic' arguments. A few points to counter some of the economic myths:</p>
<h3><strong>Myth #1 Canada’s economic survival depends on the fossil fuel industry </strong></h3>
<p><strong><a title="National Observer" href="http://www.nationalobserver.com/2016/02/10/analysis/industrys-slower-growth-plans-may-not-require-more-mega-pipelines" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="CAPP_graph-NationalObserver-lowgrowth.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/686/attachments/original/1462402529/CAPP_graph-NationalObserver-lowgrowth.jpg?1462402529" alt="CAPP_graph-NationalObserver-lowgrowth.jpg" width="350" height="218" /></a><strong>"We just have to get fossil fuels to market – we need new pipelines."</strong><br><br>No, the economic argument for new pipelines has crumbled.</strong> The fossil fuel industry and the government of Alberta want us to believe that lack of market access is a major factor in the decline of the Canadian oil and gas industry. <a title="Priceofoil.org" href="http://priceofoil.org/content/uploads/2016/03/Tidewater-2016-final.pdf" target="_blank">It’s just not true</a>. From the industry's <a title="National Observer" href="http://www.nationalobserver.com/2016/02/10/analysis/industrys-slower-growth-plans-may-not-require-more-mega-pipelines" target="_blank">own estimates</a>, the low growth scenario (which now appears overly optimistic) will not need the four proposed pipelines.<br><br>There is a global surplus of oil. There are even <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/04/13/tanker-traffic-jams_n_9686284.html">supertanker traffic jams</a>. And the kicker? The International Energy Agency says that Canada already has enough surplus capacity for additional Canadian exports to Asia <em>without</em> the construction of the Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain expansion, Enbridge’s Northern Gateway or TransCanada’s Energy East pipeline. <br><br>There is no economic justification for more mega projects. <a href="http://smartershift.com/energymix/2016/04/12/the-pipeline-moment-has-passed-ex-fossil-exec-concludes/?utm_source=The+Energy+Mix&amp;utm_campaign=e9be910d4d-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_dc146fb5ca-e9be910d4d-280246013">A former executive in the fossil fuel industry</a>, Ross Belot (<a href="http://ipolitics.ca/2016/04/11/build-a-dozen-pipelines-alberta-it-wont-help/">see his full article in iPolitics here</a>) says the moment for new pipelines has passed, “<em>Money spent on a pipeline right now would be money wasted. There are no new markets – there is no need for Energy East – not now, not years from now</em>."</p>
<h3><strong>Myth #2 There are no replacements for the high-paying jobs from the fossil fuel sector </strong></h3>
<p><strong><a href="http://fortune.com/2016/04/20/solar-oil-jobs-indeed/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="solarjobs.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/686/attachments/original/1462402568/solarjobs.jpg?1462402568" alt="solarjobs.jpg" width="350" height="205" /></a>"We can’t slow it down, we have to keep subsidizing it. The Leap Manifesto is a job killer." </strong></p>
<p><strong>No, opportunities in green jobs are growing, </strong><a href="http://fortune.com/2016/04/20/solar-oil-jobs-indeed/" target="_blank">especially for solar energy</a>. A new organization, <a href="http://www.ironandearth.org/" target="_blank">Iron and Earth</a>, started by an oilsands pipefitter, wants to <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/green-energy-trades-jobs-1.3528246" target="_blank">retrain oil sand workers for green jobs</a>. The provinces that are leading in job creation are <a href="A%20recent%20analysis%20says%20the%20Paris%20accord%20could%20unlock%20%2490%20trillion%20in%20economic%20opportunities." target="_blank">not dependent on energy production</a>. <br><br>The <a href="https://leapmanifesto.org/en/the-leap-manifesto/#manifesto-content">Leap Manifesto</a> introduced in late 2015 points out how a “<em>complete and economically-beneficial transition toward renewable energy is feasible within the next two to three decades</em>”. <a href="http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2016/04/13/middle-of-the-road-leap-manifesto-hardly-loony-walkom.html">It’s practical; it’s doable</a>. Canada, once a leader in clean technology, has <a href="http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2016/04/19/canada-should-do-more-to-expand-clean-tech-industry-report-says.html" target="_blank">fallen behind</a>. <br><br>As the Green Party of Canada has pointed out for years, the low-carbon economy is not only possible, it’s happening all around the world. <br><br><strong>Myth #3: Fast-tracking carbon reduction policies will divide Canada regionally</strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://climateactionnetwork.ca/2015/11/23/canadian-perspectives-on-climate-change-energy-and-policy-priorities-for-climate-action-and-the-paris-climate-negotiations-survey-results/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="Canadian_opinion-solar.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/686/attachments/original/1462402589/Canadian_opinion-solar.jpg?1462402589" alt="Canadian_opinion-solar.jpg" width="350" height="175" /></a>No, people across Canada, in all industries, want to move to a green economy.</strong> A majority, 70 per cent, of <a title="Climate Action Network" href="http://climateactionnetwork.ca/2015/11/23/canadian-perspectives-on-climate-change-energy-and-policy-priorities-for-climate-action-and-the-paris-climate-negotiations-survey-results/" target="_blank">Canadians want to see a price on carbon</a>. The change is happening, in spite of the massive lobbying (<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/oil-companies-climate-policy_us_570bb841e4b0142232496d97">over $150 million a year</a>) by the major fossil fuel companies, to oppose effective climate change policies. In her recent talk in Sidney, <em>We Met in Paris - now what?" - Climate Change. Hot Times. Cold Facts.</em><strong> </strong>Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament for Saanich Gulf-Islands, politely pointed out that both the mainstream media in Canada and the Canadian civil service are out of the loop on climate change. <br><br>The <a href="http://www.straight.com/news/675801/lets-get-real-about-leap-manifesto-its-not-job-killer">real news</a> is out there despite <a href="http://www.vancouverobserver.com/news/postmedia-prezi-reveals-intimate-relationship-oil-industry-lays-de-souza">Postmedia’s agreement with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers</a> to provide positive messaging about the fossil fuel sector and <a title="Huffington Post 2016" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/oil-companies-climate-policy_us_570bb841e4b0142232496d97" target="_blank">intense lobbying</a>. 'News' from a <a href="http://www.greenparty.ca/en/blog/2016-04-25/climate-time-do-what-necessary" target="_blank">biased media</a> (including <a href="http://www.pressprogress.ca/postmedia_pulls_story_sponsored_by_group_that_claims_climate_change_is_caused_by_sunshine" target="_blank">outright misinformation</a>) and advice from a civil service compromised by ten years of climate denial by the Harper regime may not be providing Canadian leaders with the best information.</p>
<h3><strong>Myth #4: Renewables are not economically practical. They can't just replace fossil energy.</strong></h3>
<p><strong><a href="http://cleantechnica.com/2016/03/29/2015-global-renewable-energy-investments-smash-records-milestones/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="investment.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/686/attachments/original/1462402620/investment.jpg?1462402620" alt="investment.jpg" width="350" height="182" /></a></strong></p>
<p><strong>Actually, yes they can.</strong> Money talks and it’s saying '<a href="http://globe-net.com/new-report-challenges-misconceptions-on-sustainable-investing/?utm_source=Copy+of+GLOBE-Net+Newsletters&amp;utm_campaign=March+17%2C+2015+Newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email" target="_blank">yes' to investments in renewable energy and other sustainable technologies</a>. Most major economies, with the sad exception of Canada, and even fossil industry members are increasing their investments in renewable energy. In 2015, <a href="http://cleantechnica.com/2016/03/29/2015-global-renewable-energy-investments-smash-records-milestones/">$286 billion was invested in renewables</a>, an all time high and much more than the $130 billion in the fossil industry.</p>
<p>Well-respected economic analysts including <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/carney-warning-fossil-fuel-analysis-1.3250294">Mark Carney, Governor at the Bank of England</a> recommend avoiding investments in fossil fuel development - the risk of stranded assets is simply too high. Plus, the <a title="Globe-Net" href="http://globe-net.com/trillions-risk-climate-change-report/" target="_blank">financial risk of <em>not</em> addressing climate change</a> is dramatic. </p>
<p>A recent analysis says the <a href="http://smartershift.com/energymix/2016/04/24/paris-accord-could-unlock-90-trillion-in-economic-opportunities/?utm_source=The+Energy+Mix&amp;utm_campaign=abc48c2914-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_dc146fb5ca-abc48c2914-280246013" target="_blank">Paris accord could unlock $90 trillion in economic opportunities</a>.</p>
<div></div>
<h3><strong>Myth #5 We can't just radically change how we drive and heat own homes </strong></h3>
<p><strong><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="Bloomberg-electric_cars.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/686/attachments/original/1462402734/Bloomberg-electric_cars.jpg?1462402734" alt="Bloomberg-electric_cars.jpg" width="350" height="255" />Yes, we can!</strong> In spite of bargain basement prices per barrel of oil, <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-ev-oil-crisis/">electric vehicle sales increased 60 per cent in 2015</a>. Bloomberg reports that this rapid rate of electric cars means the declining demand could trigger a possible fatal crash in the oil market. See the first episode in the Bloomberg Business animated series <em><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2016-02-24/the-peak-oil-myth-and-the-rise-of-the-electric-car">Sooner Than You Think</a> </em>for more.<br><br>Gas-powered vehicles are going the way of the <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/climate-change-will-push-canadian-business-onside-1.3106025">horse and buggy</a>. The economics for fossil fuels and, especially for the non-conventional, expensive fuels such as bitumen and fracked gas, will not improve in the foreseeable future. The $350 million in federal subsidies to the fossil fuel sector is money down the drain - do the Koch brothers really need more help from Canadian taxpayers? Renewable energy technologies and adoption are developing rapidly – why is Canada lagging?</p>
<p>More investment in energy grid integration and proactive policies are needed to support adoption of renewables for electricity. Returning from New York where Canada signed the Paris Agreement on Earth Day, <a href="http://www.greenparty.ca/en/blog/2016-04-25/climate-time-do-what-necessary" target="_blank">Elizabeth May wrote in her recent blog</a>, "My favourite placard that day read “<em>It is time to stop debating what is possible and start doing what is necessary</em>.”</p>
<h3><strong><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="Beach-future.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/686/attachments/original/1462402636/Beach-future.jpg?1462402636" alt="Beach-future.jpg" width="350" height="221" />Take Action! </strong></h3>
<p>Our government needs to hear from us, loud and strong, that this is not the time to shovel more money into propping up the resource-extraction sector. <a href="http://smartershift.com/energymix/2016/04/27/neb-approves-enbridges-760000-barrel-line-3-pipeline-replacement/?utm_source=The+Energy+Mix&amp;utm_campaign=739fa7f78f-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_dc146fb5ca-739fa7f78f-280246013" target="_blank">The National Energy Board just approved Enbridge</a> and may speed up the reviews for Energy East and Kinder Morgan... <br><br>Let's counter this with our support and <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-action.html" target="_blank">our ideas</a> for a clean, green future. Join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/563641783805325/" target="_blank"><strong>Break Free</strong> protest</a> (more information below). Support <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/tweet4canada" target="_blank">Tweet4Canada</a> sending positive messages encouraging the Canadian government to do the right thing!</p>
<p><br>Follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/SGIGreens?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">Twitter via @SGIGreens</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SGIGreens/" target="_blank">like us on Facebook</a>. </p>Wed, 04 May 2016 16:00:09 -0700Ann Eastmanhttp://www.sgigreenparty.ca/april_2016_newsletter
March_2016_Newsletter<p><strong>In this edition:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Rebuilding Our Democracy</strong></li>
<li><strong>Canada's Green Future</strong></li>
<li><strong>Upcoming Events</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Rebuilding Our Democracy</strong></h3>
<p><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="iStock_000056183968_Double-web.png" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/681/attachments/original/1459897011/iStock_000056183968_Double-web.png?1459897011" alt="iStock_000056183968_Double-web.png" width="300" height="204" />In the 2015 federal election, two-thirds of Canadians voted for parties that want to replace the archaic first-past-the-post (FPTP) electoral system. <br><br>Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament (MP) for Saanich Gulf-Islands, discusses the issues with FPTP in her <a href="http://elizabethmaymp.ca/wp-content/uploads/March-2016-Electoral-Reform-Householder.pdf?4ae1cf">recent householder</a>. Elizabeth points out that FPTP was, “<em>invented back in the 12th century, when people thought the earth was flat”.</em> Canada, the US and the UK are the only major democracies that still use FPTP.</p>
<p>The winner-takes-all approach of FPTP results in <a title="Broadbent Institute report" href="http://www.broadbentinstitute.ca/an_electoral_system_for_all" target="_blank">false majority governments in which</a><em><a title="Broadbent Institute report" href="http://www.broadbentinstitute.ca/an_electoral_system_for_all" target="_blank"> the votes of many Canadians do not elect a representative</a>.</em> The last federal regime with a false majority dramatically reshaped our country to align with the former Prime Minister’s personal ideology. Canadians overwhelmingly want electoral system change.<br><br>Fortunately, the new federal government elected in 2015 committed to changing the electoral system. We have a historic opportunity to rebuild our democracy. Consultations with Canadians will begin soon. We can influence the decision of the all-party committee on electoral reform.</p>
<p>Canadians want to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to advise our government; however, many don't feel they have enough information. The <a href="http://www.everyvotercounts.ca/">Every Voter Counts Alliance</a> has formed to explain the issues and the options. The Alliance includes members from <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2684348527">across the political spectrum</a>. One member group, <a title="Fair Vote Canada" href="http://campaign2015.fairvote.ca/about/" target="_blank">Fair Vote Canada</a>, has a wealth of resources on proportional representation (PR) and how PR means just that – the MPs elected actually represent the vote distribution. Every voter counts and our voices matter to a government that appears to be listening.<br><br>For another way to learn more about proportional representation, please join us for an interactive workshop, <strong><em>Making History - Rebuilding O</em></strong><strong><em>ur Democracy</em></strong>, sponsored by the Green Party of Saanich Gulf-Islands and Fair Voting BC. <a title="RSVP" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/events" target="_blank">Click here</a> for more information and to RSVP.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<h3><strong>Canada's Green Future</strong></h3>
<p><a title="National Observer" href="http://www.nationalobserver.com/2016/03/16/analysis/decision-time-trudeau-climate-commitments-or-lng-legacy" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="pnw-lng-emissions-vs-cuts-cropped.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/681/attachments/original/1459896542/pnw-lng-emissions-vs-cuts-cropped.jpg?1459896542" alt="pnw-lng-emissions-vs-cuts-cropped.jpg" width="300" height="310" /></a>Some of the other positive changes Canadians want from government are evident in the 2016 federal budget. It's very encouraging that <a href="http://elizabethmaymp.ca/budget2016" target="_blank">many initiatives that the Green Party of Canada</a> presented in the pre-budget submission are in this first budget. There is increased funding for science, innovation, environmental protection and green infrastructure.<br><br>What's missing is decisive, comprehensive action to <a title="EM article" href="http://elizabethmaymp.ca/there-is-only-one-future-economy-and-its-green/" target="_blank">support the green economy</a> by addressing climate change. <br><br>The ‘<em>business as usual</em>’ economics over environmental action still permeates this budget. The <a title="NEB" href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/neb-ekos-poll-confidence-trust-1.3493834" target="_blank">discredited National Energy Board</a> is unchanged.<br><br>Hopefully, the new government will hear and respond to our concerns with the recent federal <a href="http://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/050/document-eng.cfm?document=109540">approval of the environmental assessment of the Woodfibre Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) </a>project. We will continue to encourage the federal government to fulfill their commitments to:</p>
<div> * Consider <a href="http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2015/09/10/liberal-leader-justin-trudeau-talks-pipeline-politics.html">upstream effects</a> in the review of pipeline and LNG projects</div>
<div> * Listen to communities and their concerns about infrastructure projects. </div>
<div> * Build better, respectful relationships with First Nation communities</div>
<div> * Reduce global warming to 1.5<sup>o</sup>C</div>
<p>It is really <a href="http://www.nationalobserver.com/2016/03/16/analysis/decision-time-trudeau-climate-commitments-or-lng-legacy">either/or for Canada and BC to act on climate change</a>. Neither level of government can continue to subsidize and promote the fossil fuel sector, generally, nor the <a href="http://www.thetyee.ca/Opinion/2016/03/16/Whoopers-BC-LNG/">non-existent </a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.thetyee.ca/Opinion/2016/03/16/Whoopers-BC-LNG/">BC liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector</a>, specifically. <br><br>The good news that the federal decision on the Petronas-backed Pacific NorthWest LNG project is deferred to cabinet. This gives us another three months to voice the many significant concerns about this project. The NorthWest LNG project <a href="http://www.nationalobserver.com/2016/03/16/analysis/decision-time-trudeau-climate-commitments-or-lng-legacy" target="_blank"><em>alone</em></a> would wipe out years of efforts to reduce BC's emissions.<br><br><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/skeena-river-first-nations-oppose-petronas-lng-plant-near-prince-rupert-1.2824967" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="Skeena_River_aerial_view.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/681/attachments/original/1459896693/Skeena_River_aerial_view.jpg?1459896693" alt="Skeena_River_aerial_view.jpg" width="300" height="177" /></a>The science is clear on the climate impact from fracked LNG when the upstream emissions from fracking are included. The US now has strong evidence that fracking is not climate-friendly, "<a href="http://www.thenation.com/article/global-warming-terrifying-new-chemistry/" target="_blank"><em>Our leaders thought fracking would save our climate. They were wrong. Very wrong</em>.</a>"</p>
<p>It is also clear that the most directly affected BC communities oppose the development of a massive industrial LNG operation on the shores of the thriving Skeena River salmon ecosystem. The <a title="Lelu Island FN" href="http://business.financialpost.com/news/energy/b-c-first-nation-rejects-1-15-billion-petronas-led-lng-deal-this-is-not-a-money-issue?__lsa=9d57-b2cb" target="_blank">Lax Kw'alaams First Nations strongly rejected it</a>. A new coalition of First Nation leaders and other community members have formed an <a title="Huffington Post 2016" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/01/25/bc-lng-lelu-island_n_9072216.html" target="_blank">alliance to stop development of Lelu Island</a>, the proposed site for NorthWest LNG.<br><br>The risk of irrevocable <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/petronas-lng-terminal-set-in-salmon-s-grand-central-station-1.3181203" target="_blank">environmental damage</a> is high, as are the <a title="Rabble.ca article " href="http://rabble.ca/blogs/bloggers/elizabeth-may/2016/03/british-columbias-lax-lng-regulations-disaster-waiting-to-happe?utm_content=buffer26265&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter.com&amp;utm_campaign=buffer" target="_blank">threats to human health and safety</a>, and the economic benefits <a href="http://thetyee.ca/News/2015/05/22/BC-LNG-Lost-Opportunity/" target="_blank">dubious</a>. <br><br>Marc Lee, Senior Economist for the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives <a href="http://behindthenumbers.ca/2016/02/25/petronas-pacific-northwest-lng-profile-of-a-carbon-bomb/" target="_blank">summarized all of the concerns</a> that the Canadian government should consider in its environmental review of the Pacific NorthWest LNG project. He stated, </p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>“In lieu of recommending conditions </em>[for]<em> approval of this project, we must conclude that </em>[it]<em> violates the spirit and letter of the Paris Agreement, Canada’s greenhouse gas reduction targets and BC’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act (2007), and should be rejected</em>.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In response to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZsSraE0HDc&amp;feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">a pointed question from Elizabeth May on the budget</a>, Catherine McKenna, the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, is on the record saying that the government is revisiting the environmental assessment process. However, consider the elephant-in-the-room questions: Who will the federal government be listening to? Will the forces pushing LNG such as the <a href="http://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2016/03/23/Please-Advise-Climate-Leadership-Fraser-Institute/?utm_source=daily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=230316">Fraser Institute alumnus just appointed to the BC government</a> ‘help’ with the decision?<br><br>We can counter this. We can continue to engage with this new Canadian government to take meaningful action on climate change. We can help them change course from the still subsidized fossil fuel sector and take greater steps to support renewable energy innovation and adoption. <br><br>You can be part of the solution - wherever you live. Visit our web site at <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/" target="_blank">http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/</a>. Take Action. Get involved. Volunteer. Join our Green Media Group. If you are already a Twitter user, check out our new feature called "<a title="email or tweet a minister today" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/tweet4canada" target="_blank"><strong>Tweet 4 Canada</strong></a>". It's an easy way to s</p>
<p>upport the real change we voted for in 2015.</p>
<h3><strong>Upcoming Events</strong></h3>
<p><strong>Making History - Rebuilding Our Democracy, </strong><strong>Saturday, April 2nd, 1-4pm , Sidney<br></strong><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="gold_scales.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/681/attachments/original/1459896724/gold_scales.jpg?1459896724" alt="gold_scales.jpg" width="200" height="179" /><br>Experience fair voting at this interactive workshop. This is our time to be part of history. We can build a better democracy. Please join us for an engaging afternoon and experience fair voting in action. This is a non-partisan event co-sponsored by SGI Greens and Fair Voting BC.</p>
<p>Admission by donation, but please <a title="RSVP" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/events" target="_blank"><strong>RSVP</strong> here</a> as space is limited. Light snacks and beverages will be provided.</p>
<p><strong><strong>When</strong>: </strong>Saturday, April 2nd, 1-4pm<strong><br><strong>Where:</strong></strong> <a href="http://marywinspear.ca/centre/contact-us" target="_blank">Mary Winspear Centre</a>, Sidney, BC<br><br></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2032447/A-bolt-bleu--Dramatic-moment-thunderbolt-lights-Eiffel-Tower.html" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="Eiffel_tower.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/681/attachments/original/1459896554/Eiffel_tower.jpg?1459896554" alt="Eiffel_tower.jpg" width="200" height="200" /></a>"<em>We Met in Paris - now what?</em>" - <span class="s1">Climate Change. Hot Times. Cold Facts. Wednesday, April 6th, 7:30pm, Sidney</span></strong><br>Elizabeth May is the guest speaker at this event hosted by the Canadian Federation of University Women. <a href="http://www.greenparty.ca/en/content/we-met-paris-what-now-talk-elizabeth" target="_blank">Click here for more information and where to buy tickets</a>.<br><span class="s1"><a href="http://contacts.elizabethmaymp.ca/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=102729&amp;qid=18355263"><br></a><strong><strong>When</strong>: </strong>Wednesday, April 6th, 7:30pm<strong><br><strong>Where:</strong></strong> </span><a href="http://marywinspear.ca/centre/contact-us" target="_blank">Mary Winspear Centre</a>, Sidney, BC<br></span></p>
<p><br><br><strong><a title="Planet Ocean trailer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vYMUV2_das&amp;feature=youtu.be" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="Planet_Ocean.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/681/attachments/original/1459896563/Planet_Ocean.jpg?1459896563" alt="Planet_Ocean.jpg" width="200" height="198" /></a>Creatively United for the Planet - Sustainability Showcase, Saturday, April 16th, 10am-5pm<br></strong>The 5th annual Creatively United for the Planet event will take place over four days in four locations. See the <a title="Creatively United" href="http://creativelyunited.org/" target="_blank">event website</a> for more details. <br><br>The SGI Green Party is hosting a panel, film and discussion, facilitated by Adam Olsen, <em>Vision for the Future of the Saanich Inlet.</em> Please stop by - we will be there all day Saturday.</p>
<p><strong><strong>When</strong>: </strong>Saturday, April 16th, 10am-5pm<strong><br><strong>Where:</strong></strong> <a title="map" href="https://www.google.ca/maps/dir/''/Royal+Bay+Secondary,+Ryder+Hesjedal+Way,+Colwood,+BC/@48.4093127,-123.5617857,12z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m8!4m7!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x548f0c5ecfc40f5b:0x82b0499d522fa3e3!2m2!1d-123.491746!2d48.409334" target="_blank">Royal Bay Secondary School</a>, 3500 Ryder Hesjedal Way, Colwood, BC<br><br>Please share this newsletter! Let us know what you think. And follow us on <a href="https://twitter.com/SGIGreens?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank">Twitter via @SGIGreens</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SGIGreens/" target="_blank">like us on Facebook</a>.</p>Tue, 05 Apr 2016 15:57:00 -0700Ann Eastmanhttp://www.sgigreenparty.ca/march_2016_newsletter
February_2016_Newsletter<h4>Canada’s Cognitive Dissonance on Climate Change </h4>
<p><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="glowing-216042_640.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/664/attachments/original/1457986589/glowing-216042_640.jpg?1457986589" alt="glowing-216042_640.jpg" width="300" height="225" />NASA declared <a href="http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=87359">2015 to be the hottest year in recorded history</a> (2014 is now relegated to 2<sup>nd</sup> place). The parliamentary budget officer just reported that the federal disaster fund estimates it will spend over <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/02/25/storms-floods-to-cost-900m-a-year-over-next-five-years-new-pbo-report-says_n_9317446.html?ir=Canada%20Politics">$900 million a year</a> to provide reimbursement for damage from storms and floods. Not surprisingly, Canadians are asking what are the ‘<em>sunny ways’</em> doing for the climate?</p>
<p>Announcing ‘<em>Canada is back!</em>’ and helping to promote a climate change goal of less than 1.5<sup>o</sup>C for the Paris Climate Agreement at CoP21 were definitely points of pride for Canadians. It was also a good sign that the new government created a Minister for the Environment and Climate and that <a href="http://globalnews.ca/news/2484540/the-ministers-catherine-mckenna-on-tackling-canadas-new-climate-goals/">she is trying to implement positive action</a> for the climate. <br><br>Unfortunately, current projections show Canada <a href="http://www.nationalobserver.com/2016/02/10/news/oil-sands-ramp-canadas-projected-greenhouse-gas-emissions">won’t even meet the inadequate GHG reduction goals</a> set by the former government and the pushback from groups supporting fossil fuel development is growing.</p>
<p>To truly salvage our reputation (and help save the planet from the worst), the Canadian federal government has to do much more, much faster. Elizabeth May, MP for Saanich Gulf-Islands and Leader of the Green Party of Canada captures this urgency, "<em>So much carbon; so little time.</em>" in her new article <a title="Ottawa Citizen" href="http://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/columnists/may-its-trudeaus-moment-to-act-on-climate-change" target="_blank">Climate action - the time crunch</a>.<br><br><a title="Al Gore Ted Talk 2106" href="http://www.ted.com/talks/al_gore_the_case_for_optimism_on_climate_change#t-5776" target="_blank">There is hope</a> but aggressive action at all levels is needed to reduce the risk of the worst effects of climate change. The commitments made at Paris are not sufficient to stop global temperature increases of more than 2<sup>o</sup>C <em>even if all the policy changes and greenhouse gas reduction Paris commitments were met</em>. Every day <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/desmog-canada/conservatives-environmental-report-card_b_8296338.html">of inadequate action</a> affects the quality of life on Earth in the short and long-term.<br><br></p>
<h4>Canada’s Credibility Gap</h4>
<p><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="do-not-enter-sign_cropped.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/664/attachments/original/1457986631/do-not-enter-sign_cropped.jpg?1457986631" alt="do-not-enter-sign_cropped.jpg" width="300" height="252" />A recent report, <a href="http://www.lse.ac.uk/GranthamInstitute/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Averchenkova-and-Bassi-2016.pdf"><em>Beyond the targets: assessing the political credibility of pledges for the Paris Agreement</em></a> (Feb 2016) ranks Canada in the lowest category of G20 countries for meeting environmental commitments. Canada also unfortunately holds the G20 record for withdrawals from multinational environmental agreements. Canada’s 2011 repeal of its 2002 Kyoto Protocol Implementation Act is regarded as one of the most significant and damaging climate change policy reversals. <a href="http://www.greenparty.ca/en/media-release/2016-02-19/withdrawing-canada-kyoto-protocol-purely-political-move-budget-numbers">This ‘saved’ Canada a paltry $596,000</a>. At what cost? <br><br>The new Canadian government says it “<a href="http://www.climatechange.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&amp;n=E18C8F2D-1">will provide national leadership…to take action on climate change, put a price on carbon and reduce carbon pollution</a>”. The big questions are when and how? For example, the newly released guidelines for reviewing oil pipelines do include direct and upstream greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) but there is <a href="http://globalnews.ca/news/2481569/federal-government-announces-new-rules-for-assessing-oil-pipelines/"><strong>no indication</strong> if or how GHGs estimates will influence decisions</a>.<br><br>There will be a First Minister's conference on the climate, as pledged during the 2015 election. It is now scheduled for March 3<sup>rd</sup> in Vancouver. <br><br>Will there be a meaningful national strategy by September 2016? Will Canada adopt proactive policies such as a harmonized evidence-based <strong><a title="EM on importance of climate test" href="http://www.northumberlandview.ca/index.php?module=news&amp;type=user&amp;func=display&amp;sid=40316" target="_blank">climate test</a></strong> for energy projects reviewed federally? For more on why a climate test is so important, <a href="http://www.equiterre.org/en/communique/ahead-of-first-white-house-visit-environmental-groups-call-on-pm-trudeau-to-adopt-harmoni?utm_content=buffer1658f&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter.com&amp;utm_campaign=buffe" target="_blank">click here</a>. </p>
<p>Along with advice from other experts and lobby groups, the <a href="http://greenbudget.ca/recommendations/">Green Budget Coalition</a> of 16 environmental advocacy groups provided a number of costed recommendations for the 2016 budget. Countering efforts for progress on climate action, lobbying to support the fossil fuel sector is ramping up. This includes the <a href="http://www.desmog.ca/2016/01/21/want-free-trade-build-west-coast-pipeline-says-china">Chinese government overtly pushing for pipeline development as a condition for free trade</a>. Which groups will influence the Finance Committee? Will the <a href="http://canadians.org/blog/council-canadians-co-releases-paper-says-isds-must-be-rejected-protect-climate?utm_content=buffer12cf3&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter.com&amp;utm_campaign=buffer" target="_blank">old economy control our future</a>?</p>
<p>The budget will be presented March 22, 2016. Canadians must support the Canadian government to meet and exceed the promises made in Paris.<br><br></p>
<h4>What You Can Do Now</h4>
<p><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="baby-1431479-639x479.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/664/attachments/original/1457986648/baby-1431479-639x479.jpg?1457986648" alt="baby-1431479-639x479.jpg" width="300" height="225" />This government needs to hear from you. It is still very much engaged in consultation and you can bet your last nickel that the oil lobbyists and carbon industries are busy bending everyone's ear in Ottawa. Their biased information needs to be counter-balanced. The government's commitment to govern by cabinet provides many more opportunities to engage them and make your voice heard. </p>
<p>The volunteers of the Saanich Gulf-Islands EDA are working tirelessly to assemble resources to facilitate maximum citizen engagement. You can help. Visit our web site at <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/" target="_blank">http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/</a>. Take Action. Get involved. Volunteer. Join our Green Media Group and learn how to tweet the ministers directly. Be part of the solution. <br><br>And if you are already on Twitter, check out our new feature called "<a title="email or tweet a minister today" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/tweet4canada" target="_blank"><strong>Tweet 4 Canada</strong></a>". It's an easy way to make a difference with the First Ministers Climate Meeting this week.</p>Mon, 14 Mar 2016 13:18:00 -0700Ann Eastmanhttp://www.sgigreenparty.ca/february_2016_newsletter
January 2016 Newsletter<h4 dir="ltr">Elizabeth May's Compelling Testimony on the Kinder Morgan Expansion </h4>
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<p>Elizabeth May, MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands and Leader of the Green Party of Canada, continues to serve her constituents by supporting positive initiatives in Parliament and holding the new government to account. This includes ensuring that Canada restores environmental regulations and re-creates an independent environmental review agency, removing the responsibility for environmental assessment from the National Energy Board (NEB).<br><br>Elizabeth recently testified at the National Energy Board (NEB) hearings in Burnaby on the Kinder Morgan (KM) Trans Mountain expansion project. Notably, she was the only MP to testify on behalf of constituents. She eloquently <a href="http://www.nationalobserver.com/2016/01/21/news/elizabeth-may-begs-neb-let-kinder-morgan-expansion-die-here" target="_blank">discredited the validity of Kinder Morgan's application</a> - both the project itself and the deeply flawed NEB review process. <br><br>If you missed the live-streamed video of her riveting final testimony, it is available on <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSGIGreens%2F&amp;e=13189f788626bea2597d17eb82d06c2b6179f040&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=160124_sun&amp;n=2">SGI Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fc%2Fsgigreenpartycanada&amp;e=13189f788626bea2597d17eb82d06c2b6179f040&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=160124_sun&amp;n=3">YouTube</a>.</p>
<p class="p1">The day after the NEB hearings concluded, Prime Minister Trudeau announced positive steps - requirements for <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-01-22/trudeau-set-to-tack-extra-review-onto-kinder-morgan-pipeline" target="_blank">additional reviews for significant resource development projects</a>, including the KM pipeline expansion. <br><br>On the negative side, however, the NEB itself continued to compromise the project review by <a href="http://www.desmog.ca/2015/01/19/national-energy-board-rules-kinder-morgan-can-keep-pipeline-emergency-plans-secret-weakens-faith-process" target="_blank">ruling that KM can keep their pipeline emergency plans secret</a>. A <a title="Nat Observer article Jan 26 2016" href="http://www.nationalobserver.com/2016/01/26/news/canadian-pipeline-regulator-oversight-inadequate-says-audit" target="_blank">new audit by the federal environment commissioner</a> further emphasizes problems with NEB's performance as a pipeline regulator.<br><br>The Canadian government already has ample reasons to reject the KM proposal <em>now</em>. Building more fossil fuel infrastructure is a bad investment - for our precious coasts and waterways, the battle against climate change and <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/kinder-morgan-trans-mountain-pipeline-expansion-could-cost-canada-22-1b-says-sfu-study-1.3095622" target="_blank">the Canadian economy</a>. <br><br></p>
<h4>The Trans-Pacific Partnership and Canadian Democracy</h4>
<h2><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="Unfair.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/663/attachments/original/1457986039/Unfair.jpg?1457986039" alt="Unfair.jpg" width="300" height="225" /></h2>
<p>The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is described as a trade agreement to reduce trade barriers among 12 Pacific Rim nations including Canada; however, the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/celine-hervieuxpayette/transpacific-partnership-_b_8297524.html%20" target="_blank">TPP affects much more</a>. The greatest concern is that the Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) process in the TPP will further entrench the ability of corporations to sue our government if they feel that Canadian regulations or laws infringe on their ability to generate profits. This undermines our sovereignty and ultimately, our democracy. <br><br>Elizabeth May describes the issues with ISDS in her recent article, <a href="http://elizabethmaymp.ca/when-is-a-trade-agreement-not-a-trade-agreement/" target="_blank"><em>When is a trade agreement not a trade agreement?</em></a> <br><br>A recent article in The Tyee, <a href="http://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2016/01/18/TPP-Foreign-Investors/" target="_blank"><em>Seven Ways TPP Favours Mega-Rich Foreign Investors, Not Canadians</em></a>, concludes:</p>
<p>"<em>The TPP is a threat to our institutions of sovereignty, democracy and the rule of law. At the core of the threat is the uncertain and potentially huge price tag that the TPP puts on any law or regulation opposed by a foreign investor. The problem is not that foreign investors would be too big to fail. It is that the TPP would make the biggest and richest ones too risky to regulate.</em>"</p>
<p>During the 2015 election campaign, the Liberals committed to a public consultation on the TPP. The Minister of Trade, Chrystia Freeland, recently posted an open letter to Canadians <a href="http://www.international.gc.ca/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/agr-acc/tpp-ptp/open_letter-lettre_ouverte.aspx?lang=eng" target="_blank">stating the TPP will be debated in Parliament and Canadians will be consulted</a>. It is clear now that the deal <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/01/14/trade-minister-says-renegotiation-of-pacific-trade-deal-not-possible_n_8982984.html?ir=Canada+Politics">cannot be renegotiated</a>. A transparent public consultation will be an important step; however, Minister Freeland's letter also states that Canada will sign the TPP. <br><br>If Canada does ratify the TPP, <a title="rabble.ca - Keynes or Friedman article" href="http://rabble.ca/columnists/2016/01/keynes-or-friedman-tpp-presents-economic-choice-liberals" target="_blank">it will affect our economy and our future as a nation</a>. We need to actually discuss the agreement and determine whether it works for Canadians or not. <a href="http://news.utoronto.ca/not-too-late-mitigate-tpp-effects-minister-international-trade-chrystia-freeland-told" target="_blank">It is NOT too late</a>.<br><br>For more on the issues with the TPP, see our post, <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/the_brief_and_chilling_history_of" target="_blank">The Brief and Chilling History of the TPP</a>. To take action - sign the <a href="https://secure.canadians.org/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=1899&amp;ea.campaign.id=43987" target="_blank">Council of Canadians petition</a> and the <a href="http://www.greenparty.ca/en/stop-the-tpp?utm_campaign=C16.TPP&amp;utm_source=massmail&amp;utm_medium=email" target="_blank">Green Party of Canada petition</a> urging the Liberal government to reject the TPP. <br><br></p>
<h4>The Year Ahead - Important Issues in 2016</h4>
<p><img style="margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; float: left;" title="2016_chalenges.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/663/attachments/original/1457986051/Challenge.jpg?1457986051" alt="Challenge.jpg" width="300" height="250" /></p>
<p>One of the issues we will focus on in 2016 is to find the best and most democratic alternative to our outdated First Past The Post electoral system. Please tell us what other topics you would like to hear more about - in our newsletters and on the Saanich-Gulf Island Greens website. Also send us suggestions for speakers that you would like to see in the 2016 SGI Eminent Speakers series. <br><br>Another way that you can support our democracy is by helping the Saanich Gulf-Islands Electoral District Association to share Elizabeth's messages,. Elizabeth May is determined to encourage this new government to reach its promise for a positive future and you can too. <br><br>Share this newsletter, <a title="volunteer link" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/volunteer" target="_blank">volunteer</a> to help with an event or <a title="Helping Elizabeth" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/helping_elizabeth" target="_blank">join our Green Media team</a> - your support is so important and greatly appreciated! </p>
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</div>Mon, 14 Mar 2016 13:09:00 -0700Ann Eastmanhttp://www.sgigreenparty.ca/january_2016_newsletter
Thank You All!<p><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/573/attachments/original/1445448419/lastwave.jpg?1445448419" alt="lastwave.jpg" width="325" />Congratulations and a big thank you to all the Green Party members, supporters, donors, and incredible volunteers who successfully re-elected Elizabeth May as the MP for Saanich Gulf-Islands.</p>
<p>Probably every person reading this email has helped to make this happen. Whether you are a member of one of the 3,000 families that proudly displayed an Elizabeth May sign on your property, one of the more than 700 active volunteers who knocked on doors, put up signs, used social media, wrote letters, phoned, came to events or helped in one of the offices, or one of the 1254 donors to Elizabeth's campaign, you are part of her re-election. <br><br>If you talked to friends about how much you love the way Elizabeth' represents you; if you voted and encouraged others to vote, you are part of this supportive community standing with Elizabeth and giving her such a strong vote of confidence. </p>
<p>On Election Day, more than 225 trained volunteer scrutineer Candidate's Representatives observed the voting and the ballot count, supported by 40 volunteer drivers, 30 data entry and office volunteers and many phoners who encouraged and assisted supporters to get to the polls. These volunteers were participating actively in the mechanics of democracy.</p>
<p>On all five islands, Salt Spring, Pender, Galiano, Mayne and Saturna, Elizabeth's supporters came forward to make sure she had a presence with signs, information tables and scrutineers. Islanders are among Elizabeth's strongest supporters.</p>
<p><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="Hugs_on_enight.png" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/573/attachments/original/1445448437/Hugs_on_enight.png?1445448437" alt="Hugs_on_enight.png" width="325" height="206" />It is heartbreaking that no other Green MPs were elected. So many exceptional candidates came forward, worked just as hard with all their campaign teams and volunteers, only to be disappointed on Monday. Although they did not win, they increased the Green vote in their ridings, engaged volunteers, had fun and learned about campaigning. Several are already considering the BC provincial election in 2017! <strong> <br><br></strong><a href="http://www.macleans.ca/politics/ottawa/elizabeth-may-for-the-record-i-have-a-smile-on-my-face/" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://globalnews.ca/video/2287461/federal-election-2015-elizabeth-mays-acceptance-speech/" target="_blank">Watch Elizabeth's election night speech here</a><a href="http://www.macleans.ca/politics/ottawa/elizabeth-may-for-the-record-i-have-a-smile-on-my-face/" target="_blank">.</a> <a href="http://www.macleans.ca/politics/ottawa/elizabeth-may-for-the-record-i-have-a-smile-on-my-face/" target="_blank">Here is the full transcript.</a> <br><br>But let's look at what we have accomplished together. In in Saanich Gulf Islands there are 83,970 of us on the Voters List. 68,076 of us voted. Our voter turnout rate was 81%. We didn't have the highest voter turnout in the country this time, but we were in the top 5 out of 338 ridings. We obviously believe in democracy here. We want to be heard. More than half of us, 54.5% of those who voted, 37,076, selected Elizabeth May. The Conservative came second, but he was 23,813 votes behind! </p>
<p>The members of the core campaign team are humbled by the high level of your support and engagement with Canada's best MP and the democratic process. We, the volunteers and everyone who participates, feel inspired by Elizabeth and by one another. We thoroughly enjoy working together. You accomplished something remarkable when you re-elected Elizabeth May on Monday. Congratulations to her and to all of us who support her in Saanich Gulf Islands. In the words of the editorial in Tuesday morning's Times Colonist, </p>
<p>"<em>While the results are certain to be a disappointment for the Greens, May's principled and articulate presence in the House of Commons will continue. Parliament will be the better for that presence....Canadians are fortunate that the voters of Saanich Gulf Islands have sent Elizabeth May back to Ottawa</em>". </p>
<p><strong>Thank you!</strong></p>
<p>The Re-Elect Elizabeth May Campaign team: Marilyn, Jocelyn, Thomas, Mark, Ann, Dave, Bob, Tom, Jean, Eileen, Robyn, etc.</p>Wed, 21 Oct 2015 10:28:55 -0700Ann Eastmanhttp://www.sgigreenparty.ca/thank_you_all
Vote Green!<p><strong>How to Change the World</strong><strong> </strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.greenparty.ca/en/party/values/participatory-democracy" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="12091304_10156217457235253_1118681210910775726_o.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/571/attachments/original/1445194259/12091304_10156217457235253_1118681210910775726_o.jpg?1445194259" alt="12091304_10156217457235253_1118681210910775726_o.jpg" width="300" height="198" /></a><strong>Vote for the Future You Want</strong><br>Canadians have fought and died to protect the right to vote. It's our right and responsibility. We have the power. (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dZ8c4KYegk" target="_blank">Well, most Canadians still do in spite of efforts to stop us.</a>) <br><br>In this election, Canadians <em>are</em> turning out in record numbers. Vote for the future you want. Vote for democracy. <br><br><strong>Remember to Vote</strong>: Monday October 19 from 7 am to 7 pm is the time. Make a plan, talk it up, take your friends, find a babysitter, but be sure to get there before 7 pm. Vote before work, at noon, on your way home from work, but make sure your voice is heard and your vote is counted. <br><br>Every Green MP elected will help Canada. Send Elizabeth May back to Ottawa with a caucus of Green MPs to work together for the future we want. You can help by phoning voters: <a href="https://www.greenparty.ca/en/volunteer-phone-canvassing" target="_blank">sign up here</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=207tL7s4uL4&amp;index=10&amp;list=PLaZsl9-9peQ9oTvSGVC6C3Drxb2a83xhI" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="CLaireMartin-2.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/571/attachments/original/1445194161/CLaireMartin-2.jpg?1445194161" alt="CLaireMartin-2.jpg" width="300" height="188" /></a></p>
<p>To rebuild our democracy, we need the best minds at the table and more than three voices in parliament. Greens in Parliament will be your local champions! Please meet some of the many amazing, accomplished people running for the Green Party: <br><br><a href="http://vote4claire.ca/" target="_blank">Claire Martin</a>, Green candidate for North Vancouver, meteorologist, wants to see democracy restored and science unfettered. Claire wants you to have a representative you can trust, work with and feel proud to have working for YOU in Ottawa.</p>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwqBIW888hA&amp;index=4&amp;list=PLaZsl9-9peQ9oTvSGVC6C3Drxb2a83xhI" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="Lynn-fromscienceto_politics.png" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/571/attachments/original/1445194792/Lynn-fromscienceto_politics.png?1445194792" alt="Lynn-fromscienceto_politics.png" width="300" height="153" /></a><a href="http://www.lynnequarmby.ca/" target="_blank">Lynne Quarmby</a>, Green candidate for Burnaby North-Seymour, a <a href="https://youtu.be/zzNyuaViOuM?list=PLaZsl9-9peQ9oTvSGVC6C3Drxb2a83xh" target="_blank">dedicated scientist</a> has taken a strong stand against the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion in Burnaby. Lynne wants our beautiful natural environment protected.
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<br>Who we choose to represent us in parliament directly affects our lives and the future of our country and the planet. <br>
<p><strong>Green values are the Canadian values</strong> of trust, responsibility, respect, and compassion. Greens respect diversity and embrace discussion across the political spectrum.</p>
<p>It's a close race on Vancouver Island - <strong>every vote counts</strong>. It's telling that all three 'main' party leaders are campaigning in BC this last weekend before the election. <br><br><strong><em>“<em>The o</em>nly wasted vote is the one not cast</em>.” Elizabeth May</strong></p>
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<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/GlennSollitt/videos/vb.398286763655383/543829365767788/?type=2&amp;theater" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="glennsollitt.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/571/attachments/original/1445194192/glennsollitt.jpg?1445194192" alt="glennsollitt.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></a>Another Vancouver Island Green candidate, <a href="http://www.glennsollittgpc.ca/" target="_blank">Glenn Sollitt</a>, for Courtenay-Alberni, is a successful entrepreneur. Glenn wants to see federal science and monitoring restored to protect our oceans and rivers. <br><br>Many businesses in Canada rely on our natural resources. Protecting the natural world we live in and rely on only makes sense. <br><br>We were happy to see the large crowd of supporters cheering for him and Elizabeth May as she tours Vancouver Island this weekend in the Green Island Bus tour.</p>
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<p><strong>Vote Green - The Party for the Future is the Best Choice <em>Now</em></strong><br><br><strong></strong><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-545347757-77778036" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="FranHJ.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/571/attachments/original/1445194180/FranHJ.jpg?1445194180" alt="FranHJ.jpg" width="300" height="226" /></a><a href="http://franhuntjinnouchi.ca/" target="_blank">Fran Hunt-Jinnouchi</a>, Green candidate for the new riding of Cowichan-Malahat-Langford, is a successful entrepreneur and respected First Nations leader with extensive experience working for the community.<br><br>In the Green Party’s six founding principles: ecological wisdom, non-violence, social justice, sustainability, participatory democracy, and respect for diversity, Fran has found a philosophy similar to that of her heritage in the Kwakiutl/Quatsino First Nations <br><br>Hope for the future!</p>
<p><a title="GPC - democracy" href="http://www.greenparty.ca/en/party/values/participatory-democracy" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="votehopenotfear.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/571/attachments/original/1445194137/votehopenotfear.jpg?1445194137" alt="votehopenotfear.jpg" width="300" height="297" />Vote for a party that respects democracy</a> - Green candidates support Canadian rights and freedoms including the right to have MPs that work for the people of Canada first and foremost.</p>
<p>Marilyn Venturi of Cobble Hill points out "<em><a href="http://www.cowichanvalleycitizen.com/opinion/333115011.html" target="_blank">You can't get what you want if you don't vote for it"</a>.</em><br><br>The Green Party supports unions <em>and</em> small business; <a href="http://gulfislandsdriftwood.com/opinion/pro-business-and-environment-mix-possible/" target="_blank">environmental protection, fiscal responsibility <em>and</em> economic development</a>; human rights, free speech, and justice.<br><br><em>"<em>The only thing to fear, is fear </em>itself" </em>Winston Churchill </p>
<p>Celebrate with us at the Election Night Party! It will be a Great Green Rally on 19th October, 7 pm at the Convention Centre in Victoria. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/160924297588852/" target="_blank">More information here</a>.Thank you!</p>
<h3>Re-Elect Elizabeth May Team </h3>Sun, 18 Oct 2015 12:37:36 -0700Ann Eastmanhttp://www.sgigreenparty.ca/vote_green
Calling All Green Supporters<p>We are in the home stretch. The Green message of hope, pragmatic solutions, and a positive vision for Canada needs to be heard loud and clear. <br><br>Please share this message with five (5) friends that can help spread the word that <strong>#Greens4Canada</strong> has amazing candidates all across Canada that are committed to working for you! It's an easy choice. <br><em></em></p>
<p><strong><br></strong><strong>1. Voting <em>for</em> a Representative - Your Vote, Your Voice Matter!</strong><br>Andy Shadrack of Kaslo stated it well: "<em>You have a choice to make about what kind of Canada you want, what kind of MP you want to represent you, and what role you want Elizabeth May and the Green Party to play in your future.</em><br><br>Vote for <em>your</em> local Green candidate - Help Elizabeth May return to Ottawa with a Green caucus to help her help Canada.<strong><br><br></strong></p>
<p><strong>2. Read, Listen, Watch and Share:</strong> </p>
<p class="title"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/10/06/basic-income-canada-green-party-elizabeth-may_n_8246800.html" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="HuffPost_Oct_13.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/568/attachments/original/1445196917/HuffPost_Oct_13.jpg?1445196917" alt="HuffPost_Oct_13.jpg" width="200" height="148" /></a><strong>Bold, visionary leadership:</strong><br><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/10/06/basic-income-canada-green-party-elizabeth-may_n_8246800.html" target="_blank"><br>Elizabeth May: Paying Everyone A Basic Income Will End Poverty AND Save Money</a></p>
<p class="p1"> </p>
<p class="segment-headline"><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-monday-edition-1.3267431/elizabeth-may-wouldn-t-keep-stephen-harper-in-power-for-a-nanosecond-longer-1.3267761" target="_blank">Elizabeth May wouldn't keep Stephen Harper in power for '<em>a nanosecond longer</em>'</a></p>
<p class="segment-airdate"><strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWkNMQSaezM" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="Dogcatcher.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/568/attachments/original/1445196848/Dogcatcher.jpg?1445196848" alt="Dogcatcher.jpg" width="200" height="201" /></a><br>And only one poll really matters:<br><br></strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWkNMQSaezM" target="_blank">Elizabeth comments on 2011 poll that said she couldn't be elected dogcatcher</a><strong><br><br><br></strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClAxQoc7uygidzDYFEaTFqQ/featured?view_as=public" target="_blank">More great videos here on the Saanich Gulf Islands SGI Youtube channel</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>3. Messages to Share on on Facebook and Twitter</strong> <br>The Green Party doesn't have the big advertising budgets that the 'main' parties do and corporate media is not catching on. We have people power to get the message out about Green platforms, policies and positions. </p>
<p><strong><br>Sample tweets/posts to use, share, and modify are listed below. </strong>Please include #elxn42 and #VoteGreen and/or #Greens4Canada in Tweets and FB posts, so we can find one another's posts and share or retweet. <br><br>These suggestions are all less than or equal to the 140 character limit on Twitter, including the hashtags:<br><br></p>
<p>We're the only party talking about the most important issues this #elxn42. Don't compromise.On Oct 19 vote Green #Greens4Canada #votegreen<br><br>"A Green MP will be the hardest working you have ever had. Because their boss isn't me. It's you"@ElizabethMay #Greens4Canada #votegreen<br><br>The time is now. Let’s get this done. RT and talk to your friends about voting Green. Canada is worth it. #Greens4Canada #elxn42#votegreen<br><br>Big ideas have to come from big ambition. Vote for the future you want. Vote to end poverty in Canada. Vote Green. #elxn42 #votegreen<br><br>Bold vision comes from putting Canada before party. Vote for Canada. Vote Green. #Greens4Canada #elxn42 #votegreen<br><br>You don't have to compromise your values. Vote for what you want. #gpc #cdnpoli #Greens4Canada #elxn42 #votegreen<br><br>When voter turn-out is high, Greens do well! Go Canada! #VoteGreen #elxn42 #Greens4Canada @CanadianGreens @ElizabethMay<br><br>Canada can't wait. The climate can't wait. RT and talk to your friends about voting Green.@JoAnnRobertsYYJ #cop21 #elxn42 #VoteGreen<br><br>It's incredible what @ElizabethMay has done in just 4 years. Think of what more Greens could do in Parliament <a rel="noreferrer" href="http://t.co/dLVG6pQj4L" target="_blank">http://t.co/dLVG6pQj4L</a> #Greens4Canada #elxn42<br><br>Are these issues important to you? Congratulations you're a @CanadianGreens supporter too! <a rel="noreferrer" href="http://t.co/04ipxAkKzx" target="_blank">http://t.co/04ipxAkKzx</a> #cdnpoli<a rel="noreferrer" href="http://t.co/OlxOjAw1du" target="_blank">http://t.co/OlxOjAw1du<br><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="proud.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/568/attachments/original/1445196827/proud.jpg?1445196827" alt="proud.jpg" width="300" height="148" /><br></a></p>
<h3>Thank you!</h3>
<h3>Re-Elect Elizabeth May Team </h3>
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Get Out the Vote <h3>Only You Can Re-Elect Elizabeth May</h3>
<p><a title="credit: Jeff S. PhotoArt at HDCanvas.ca" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jeff_sch/8341715093/in/photolist-dH8th2-8UykdQ-pSmtmd-qgep6b-qjmx3M-q8x1pX-gTSTGs-e12TrZ-dvi2rK-aK5wVR-auoVAv-9988Gd-8WgR9s-8ezae1-7XApuC-7AkhcS-7jhEyn-7iiJfm-5EEWi2-5EJojY-7invDa-hEJ3rg-47raPD-3o8xGN-gEEcBt-dB4VwE-9N8sAv-48r5Ag-qkUZbK-dvfQh7-pDVNZd-pDrKLq-qdHb4J-pVYTSx-pVPrrL-q7AWFi-pMAfNx-hWo3E7-hV1sy8-hUUdVm-pnHhkC-5vnJce-48Ee6r-qdN5Pt-pdbCyu-pzdfkJ-hTWTRr-hTLm8Z-dzPrLB-aJAMLe" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="em_child__mom.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/567/attachments/original/1445192958/em_child__mom.jpg?1445192958" alt="em_child__mom.jpg" width="300" height="227" /></a>This weekend, when most of us are gathering with friends and family to enjoy Thanksgiving, the Advance Polls open from noon to 8 pm every day, Friday to Monday, October 9, 10, 11, and 12. </p>
<p>We all know how important it is to re-elect Elizabeth May with a strong mandate to continue her remarkable work representing us and the best of Canada. She needs our votes! <br><br>Saanich-Gulf Islands had an amazing voter turnout in 2011. Let's break that record and show Elizabeth how much we appreciate her hard work for us, for democracy and for our little blue planet.</p>
<p>Please plan to take time during this weekend to do your part to help Elizabeth and our country by voting. Bring family and friends. Bring someone who didn't vote last time: bring a first time voter. We don't want another bad government elected by good people who didn't vote... So much is possible with good government and so much is at risk! <br><br>Please vote at one of the Advance Polls if you haven't voted yet, and, especially if you are volunteering for Election Day. Avoid the rush on E-Day. Be certain you have the correct identification. Poll locations are on your Voter's Card and at <a href="http://www.elections.ca/" target="_blank">Elections Canada</a>.</p>
<p>Make a plan to vote. <strong> </strong>If you don't have a drivers license or other current government photo ID with your address, check <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.elections.ca%2F&amp;e=13189f788626bea2597d17eb82d06c2b6179f040&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=getoutvote&amp;n=3&amp;test_email=1" target="_blank">Elections Canada</a> for information on other identification that can be used. You can phone Elections Canada at <a target="_blank">1-866-546-7620</a>, and of course phone us if you need a ride <a target="_blank">778-351-3335</a>.</p>
<p><strong><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="Go_Vote.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/567/attachments/original/1445192978/Go_Vote.jpg?1445192978" alt="Go_Vote.jpg" width="275" height="299" /><br>If You Have Voted: </strong>Thank you for supporting Canadian democracy.<br><br><a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/i_voted" target="_blank">Please click the '<strong>I Voted !</strong>' button here</a> to let us know that you did. Help build the momentum for Elizabeth. Once you have clicked the button, you can enter our contest for <em><strong>A Lunch with Elizabeth May</strong></em>. <br><br><strong>Support Our Local Food Banks:</strong><br>Please bring donations of non-perishable food or cheques for the Thanksgiving food drives by the <a href="http://sidneylionsfoodbank.com" target="_blank">Sidney Lions Food Bank</a> and the <a title="Mustard Seed" href="http://mustardseed.ca/">Mustard Seed Church</a> to the Sidney or Saanich Re-Elect Elizabeth May Campaign Offices.<br><br>Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving!</p>
<div>
<p><strong>With your support, we will re-elect Elizabeth May. <br>A Green voice is your voice for</strong><em><strong> A Canada That Works. Together.</strong></em></p>
</div>
<p><strong><br>Re-Elect Elizabeth May Campaign Offices:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Sidney Office</strong>, 2355 James White Blvd<br>Open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm;<br>Saturday and Sunday 12 pm to 4 pm <br>778-351-3335 </p>
<p><strong>Saanich Office</strong>, 3550 Saanich Rd, Unit 106 (Munro Centre behind Save-On Foods)<br>Open Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm<br>Sunday 10 am to 4 pm<br>778-817-1010</p>
<p><strong>Salt Spring Office</strong>, 374 Lower Ganges Road, Unit #364, Salt Spring Island<br>Open Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm<br>250-931-4733</p>
<p>Note: Open times for the offices change, please email us at <a href="mailto:emay2win@greenparty.ca" target="_blank">emay2win@greenparty.ca</a> to check the current times. </p>Sun, 18 Oct 2015 11:30:34 -0700Ann Eastmanhttp://www.sgigreenparty.ca/get_out_the_vote
September 26 2015 Newsletter from Saanich Gulf Islands<p>Please this with anyone who might like to read the newsletters. All past newsletters are also <a title="SGI website - Newsletters" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/sgi_newsletters" target="_blank">available on our website here</a><em>.<br><br></em><strong>In this edition:<em></em></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Ways to Volunteer for the Re-Elect Elizabeth May Campaign</strong></li>
<li><strong>Diversity, Dissent and Debate</strong></li>
<li><strong>Thank You for Supporting Canadian Democracy!</strong></li>
<li><strong>Upcoming Events </strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>
<strong><br></strong>Ways to Volunteer for the Re-Elect Elizabeth May Campaign</h3>
<h3><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="Canada_that_works_together-2.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/548/attachments/original/1443676552/Canada_that_works_together-2.jpg?1443676552" alt="Canada_that_works_together-2.jpg" width="325" height="389" /></h3>
<p>With only three weeks left until the election, volunteers are urgently needed for foot canvassing, phone canvassing, Green traffic waves, to help at events, and to support our media campaigns. <strong><a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/volunteer" target="_blank">Please sign up here to volunteer.</a> </strong>If you would like to join our volunteer <strong>Green Media Team</strong>, please contact <a href="mailto:eileen.wood@greenparty.ca" target="_self">eileen.wood@greenparty.ca</a> <br><br>Plus many more volunteers are needed for the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1629170920686256/" target="_blank"><strong>Green Party Rally in Victoria on October 4th</strong></a> (more details in <strong>Events</strong>).</p>
<p>Hundreds of volunteers are needed for the Advance Polls and Election Day - to scrutineer during voting, scrutineer the vote count, and help with data entry, and phone calling. <strong><a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/volunteer" target="_blank">Please sign up here to volunteer.</a></strong><br><strong><br><strong></strong></strong>If you requested a lawn sign, thank you for asking. If we have not delivered it yet, please sign up again on <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/reserve_a_sign" target="_blank">request a lawn sign here</a> or call our office at <strong>778-351-3335</strong>. Thank you for your patience! <br><br>We have more lawn signs available. <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/reserve_a_sign" target="_blank">Please request a lawn sign here</a> or come into one of the campaign offices to pick one up. <br><br>Thank you for reporting missing, damaged or obscured lawn or billboard signs. We respect all parties and candidates. <br><br></p>
<h3>Diversity, Dissent and Debate </h3>
<p><a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/craigsilverman/sassy-elizabeth-may-won-the-debate#.wsovAq2xJ" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="EM_in_DebatduChefs.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/548/attachments/original/1443676572/EM_in_DebatduChefs.jpg?1443676572" alt="EM_in_DebatduChefs.jpg" width="325" height="200" /></a>The way Canadians embrace and celebrate our many different cultures and perspectives is a point of pride; however, our parliament does not reflect this. <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/natives-are-under-represented-in-parliament-and-for-women-and-youth-its-even-worse/article7573722/" target="_blank">Women as a group and First Nations, Metis and Inuit are underrepresented</a>. Women's issues and First Nation interests have been rarely mentioned in any of the 2015 leaders' debates. <br><br>Diversity, free speech, the right to hold dissenting opinions and to discuss different perspectives are key to a thriving democracy. We face a <a title="Debate gate" href="http://www.watershedsentinel.ca/content/canadian-debate-gate" target="_blank">serious challenge to these rights and freedoms</a> because hyper partisan politics have been allowed to dictate the number, type, venue and participants for all candidate meetings. The <a title="legal action" href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/munk-leaders-debate-green-party-1.3234650" target="_blank">Green Party has had to take action</a> seeking inclusion of Elizabeth May in the next leaders' debate on September 28 because Mr. Harper and Mr. Mulcair continue to undermine her participation in this election. The English language consortium debate is very likely to be cancelled.<br><br><a href="http://globalnews.ca/news/2242146/reality-check-elizabeth-may-debates-the-crisis-in-syria-and-fighting-isis/" target="_blank">Elizabeth's thoughtful comments in Le Grand Debat</a> hosted by Radio-Canada this week were in stark contrast to the party lines repeated by the other candidates. These inadequately moderated shouting matches may well be a new form of voter suppression. Saanich Gulf Island constituents are fortunate to be able to re-elect a true leader that calmly and eloquently speaks to the issues that matter to Canadians. <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/craigsilverman/sassy-elizabeth-may-won-the-debate#.wsovAq2xJ" target="_blank">Plus, </a><a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/craigsilverman/sassy-elizabeth-may-won-the-debate#.wsovAq2xJ" target="_blank">she does it all with grace and humour</a>.<br><br>All Canadians deserve to hear from all of the party leaders and from the MP candidates in our ridings so we can make informed choices. We vote for MPs, not party leaders, unless of course you live in Elizabeth May's riding in Saanich Gulf Islands, Mr. Harper's in Calgary Heritage, Mr. Mulcair's in Outremont, or Mr. Trudeau's riding of Papineau. Every leaders' debate and every all candidates' meeting matters. The freedom of the public and the media to ask challenging questions are important for a strong Canadian democracy. <br><br>Show your support for Elizabeth by joining us at the next all candidates debate. For the current meeting schedule <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/all_candidate_fora_2015" target="_blank">look here</a>. Please share your opinions online, by letters to the editor and on social media. <br><br></p>
<h3>Thank You For Supporting Canadian Democracy</h3>
<p><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="You_are_what_you_vote_with_logos_(3).jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/548/attachments/original/1443676600/You_are_what_you_vote_with_logos_%283%29.jpg?1443676600" alt="You_are_what_you_vote_with_logos_(3).jpg" width="325" height="244" />Elizabeth May has been <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/glibandmale" target="_blank">lauded for her authenticity</a>, her candour, and persistence in speaking out. A <a title="The Record" href="http://www.therecord.com/opinion-story/5827847-elizabeth-may-valuable-in-watchdog-role/" target="_blank">recent editorial</a>, commented on the importance of Elizabeth's efforts to encourage parliamentarians:<br><br><em>"to collaborate, to recognize each other's good ideas, to stand up to an overly powerful prime minister's office, are of the utmost importance, not only in terms of democracy but in delivering good, practical, responsive government. Indeed, fighting for the right to be a good MP may be Elizabeth May's best bet for electing more Green ones.</em>" <br><br>We need more MPs that can represent their communities without fear of reprisal from their party. All Green Party candidates are determined to counter the destructive partisanship that has crept into our parliament. Elizabeth May is leading by example; she will participate in 15 all candidate meetings in Saanich Gulf Islands. Watch the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwpTLWO4HI0" target="_blank">video of the first local all candidates' meeting</a> (Elizabeth's opening remarks start at 19:26). <br><br>Across Canada, Green candidates are giving voters the opportunity to vote <em>for</em> a candidate and <em>for</em> a positive, forward-thinking vision for Canada. The <a title="Platform 2015" href="https://www.greenparty.ca/sites/default/files/attachments/4e_platform_summary.pdf" target="_blank">Green Party 2015 platform is available here</a> for everyone to read and discuss. <br><br>Please <a href="https://saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca.nationbuilder.com/donate" target="_blank">support Elizabeth's campaign with a donation</a>. Consider <a title="volunteer" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/volunteer" target="_blank">volunteering for Elizabeth's campaign</a> or for your <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greenparty.ca%2Fen%2Fcandidates&amp;e=a72ed9d64f1d2514da279242acffa23c&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=aug_news2sgi&amp;n=8&amp;test_email=1">local Green candidate</a>. <br><br>A vote for a Green MP is a vote for an individual that puts the needs of their constituents and Canada first. A Green voice is your voice.</p>Wed, 30 Sep 2015 22:19:00 -0700Ann Eastmanhttp://www.sgigreenparty.ca/september_26_2015_newsletter_from_saanich_gulf_islands
September 19th 2015 Newsletter<p>To ensure you continue receiving the Saanich-Gulf Island Newsletters, please add us <a href="mailto:emay2win@greenparty.ca">emay2win@greenparty.ca</a> to your address book. <br><br>Please feel free to forward this email to anyone who might like to read the newsletters. Our newsletters are also <a title="SGI website - Newsletters" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/sgi_newsletters" target="_blank">available on our website here</a><em>.<br><br></em><strong>In this edition:</strong><em><br></em></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Elizabeth May in Leaders' Debate Virtually, via Twitter</strong></li>
<li>
<strong></strong><strong>Green Party Continues to Roll Out Their Election Platform - Youth and Education</strong>
</li>
<li><strong>Supporting Canadian Democracy</strong></li>
<li><strong>Upcoming Events</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Elizabeth May in Leaders' Debate Virtually, via Twitter</h3>
<p><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="EM_Twitter_video-2.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/539/attachments/original/1442807055/EM_Twitter_video-2.jpg?1442807055" alt="EM_Twitter_video-2.jpg" width="300" height="225" />Despite many petitions, letters to the editor, and multiple polls that demonstrate that a <a title="Ottaw Citizen" href="http://ottawacitizen.com/news/politics/canadians-want-greens-elizabeth-may-at-future-debates-poll" target="_blank">majority of Canadians want to hear Elizabeth's perspectives</a>, the Globe and Mail refused to invite Elizabeth May to the debate Thursday in Calgary. <br><br>Recognizing that Elizabeth has much to contribute to a debate on the economy, Twitter Canada helped Elizabeth attend virtually. Elizabeth pointed out that live tweeting her responses is “<em>the best we can do, but it’s far from being a fair debate</em>.” <br><br>Elizabeth live tweeted her answers and, in brief <a title="Twitter video" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/glibandmale" target="_blank">Twitter video snapshots</a>, she posted responses and commentary on what wasn't being said. For example, her fact check on Stephen Harper's comment that Canada is investing heavily in green technology was clear - it's simply not true. Her closing remarks were a succinct description of the<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/09/18/elizabeth-may-leaders-debate-women_n_8158218.html" target="_blank"> many important economic challenges that were missed in the debate such as pay inequality for women</a> and the poverty of many First Nations. <br><br>See the Green platform on a <a title="GPC" href="https://www.greenparty.ca/en/platform#Sustainable-Economy" target="_blank">sustainable economy here</a>.</p>
<p>There was a full house at the viewing party in Victoria, watching the debate in Calgary on one screen and Elizabeth's responses on another. Many more people watched via a live Twitter video feed - with over 1.7 million Twitter impressions and 14,000 retweets of her comments. <br><br><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="Live_audinece.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/539/attachments/original/1442807092/Live_audinece.jpg?1442807092" alt="Live_audinece.jpg" width="300" height="298" />A sample of the deluge of commentary online, "<em>So the good old boys club strikes again, they have actually shot themselves in the foot by not including the only woman candidate running because it appears they do not want the women's vote,....big mistake, huge....</em>". <br><br>Media outlets were astonished with her contribution and commented that she "<em><a href="http://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/election/green-party-leader-elizabeth-may-dominates-debate-on-twitter-1.2568799#_gus&amp;_gucid=&amp;_gup=twitter&amp;_gsc=2fGikSV" target="_blank">dominated the debate</a>"</em>.</p>
<p>This successful social media work-around shows how people power can stop <a title="Common Ground" href="http://commonground.ca/2015/09/barricading-democracy-election-fraud-through-debate-rigging/" target="_blank">Stephen Harper from rigging the game</a>. He continues to try to control all messages - the audience, social media, the questions at his own campaign events, and <a title="CBC Harper message control" href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/harper-s-message-control-backfiring-this-time-1.3223579" target="_blank">even telling Conservative candidates</a> to <em>avoid</em> all candidates meetings. This will not stop Canadians from getting the information they seek for an informed vote in 2015. <br><br>Elizabeth stated, “<em>Canadians rejected Stephen Harper’s bogus corporate debate strategy. Debates are about Canadians. It’s not about me, the Green Party, or Harper’s strategy. </em><em>Canadians deserve the opportunity to hear from all party leaders. It is critical that the English National Television Broadcasters’ Debate on October 8</em><em> goes forward as planned</em>." <br><br>Many Canadians are urging Thomas Mulcair to re-commit to attending the National Broadcasters' English debate, so the majority of Canadians can watch their leaders’ discuss issues that affect them. It is an important part of the election process in a democracy. <br><br>Please participate as you can to discuss the issues that matter most to you by phone, commenting online, <a title="changedotorg" href="https://www.change.org/p/canadian-federal-party-leaders-confirm-attendance-to-the-cbc-consortium-debates-in-october/u/13416880?tk=IYccCPqEXyEtZc4myONhZ8smUZjjvUMjiTaPCh99KXg&amp;utm_source=petition_update&amp;utm_medium=email" target="_blank">signing petitions</a> and on social media. Without the Twitter debate success, the media would have only discussed the three leaders and not Elizabeth or the Green Party. <br><br>If you would like to join our volunteer Green Media Team, please contact <a href="mailto:eileen.wood@greenparty.ca" target="_self">eileen.wood@greenparty.ca</a> <br><br></p>
<h3>Green Party Continues to Roll Out Their Election Platform - Youth and Education </h3>
<p><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="Campus_Greens.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/539/attachments/original/1442807198/Campus_Greens.jpg?1442807198" alt="Campus_Greens.jpg" width="300" height="225" />The Green Party of Canada was the first federal party to release <a title="platform" href="https://www.greenparty.ca/sites/default/files/attachments/4e_platform_summary.pdf" target="_blank">a full election platform</a> with the goal of <strong>Building a Canada That Works. Together</strong>. The ideas are <a title="platform" href="http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/canadian-politics/green-party-would-invest-billions-in-sustainable-jobs-health-care-seniors-and-balance-the-books-to-boot" target="_blank">bold, visionary and fully costed</a>. <br><br>The Green Party's approach to fostering the success of Canadian youth is to invest in young people. We can build the Canada we want by:<br><br><strong>Abolishing tuition fees</strong> for college, university and skills training over the next five years. Expansion of public education system to include post-secondary education increases prosperity, equality, productivity, and economic competitiveness.The proposed <a title="GLI" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/guaranteed_liveable_income" target="_blank">Guaranteed Livable Income</a> will also give students the financial security needed to pursue an education. <br><br><strong>Dealing with student debt.</strong> Total student debt owed to federal and provincial governments is $15 billion. The average indebted student owes more than $25,000. This burden has multiple negative effects on the Canadian economy. For example, it limits the ability of upcoming generations to buy homes or start businesses. Another solution posed by the Green Party is to forgive existing federal student debts so no student owes more than $10,000.</p>
<p><strong>Addressing youth unemployment.</strong> Youth unemployment is twice the national average. The Green Party vision is to create a national <a href="http://www.greenparty.ca/en/policy/vision-green/people/youth" target="_blank">Community and Environment Service Corps</a>. This will provide $1 billion/year to municipalities to hire Canadian youth to do work that needs to be done. This improves communities and provides valuable work experience.<br><br><strong>Investing in sustainable jobs.</strong> We need innovative jobs to replace those that are disappearing in the resource extraction. The Green Party wants to help Canada move to a 21st century knowledge-based economy that adds value to our resources before they are exported. Elizabeth says, “<em>Canada has the potential to capitalize on the single-biggest business opportunity in human history — the shift to a green economy through cleantech and green infrastructure investments</em>”.</p>
<p>Canada's success depends on an educated, employed population. The problems with student debt, high levels of youth unemployment and underemployment affect all Canadians. We can do better. Join us by supporting the progressive, visionary ideas of the Green Party. <a title="volunteer" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/volunteer" target="_blank">Volunteer for Elizabeth's campaign</a> or your <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greenparty.ca%2Fen%2Fcandidates&amp;e=a72ed9d64f1d2514da279242acffa23c&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=aug_news2sgi&amp;n=8&amp;test_email=1">local Green candidate</a>. <br><br></p>
<h3>Supporting Canadian Democracy - Check That You Are Registered to Vote</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.elections.ca" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="ECanada.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/539/attachments/original/1442807103/ECanada.jpg?1442807103" alt="ECanada.jpg" width="300" height="228" /></a>Please share our newsletter with your friends and colleagues and remember to vote, the most important act every Canadian of voting age can do to support democracy. Voting has been made more difficult, so we urge you to <a title="elections Canada" href="http://www.elections.ca" target="_blank">please check the Elections Canada website here </a>to ensure that you are registered to vote. <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/pledge_your_vote" target="_blank">Please consider pledging your vote to Elizabeth</a>.<br><br>Examples of the added challenges voters may face: <br>* After living in the same location for over 40 years and voting in every federal election, a resident of Salt Spring Island was shocked to discover that she was no longer on the voters list. <br>* Couples in Saanich Gulf-Islands have been surprised to discover one spouse, was registered but their partner was not. <br><br>You can vote now at an <a href="http://www.elections.ca/Scripts/vis/FindED?L=e&amp;QID=-1&amp;PAGEID=20" target="_blank">Elections Canada office near you</a>. In Saanich-Gulf Islands, the office is at 1851 Keating Cross Road, Suite 102, Saanichton, BC. <a href="https://www.google.ca/maps/place/1851+Keating+Cross+Rd+%23102,+Saanichton,+BC+V8M+1W9/@48.5658592,-123.4232364,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x548f6e93d6825e2f:0x559abbe7ade10ce" target="_blank">See a map here</a>.</p>
<p>The Federal Election Advance Polls are October 9, 10, 11, 12, from noon to 8 pm. Please contact one of the SGI offices, or <a title="Grace's email" href="mailto:Grace.Cockburn@greenparty.ca" target="_blank">email</a> us for more information.<br><br><strong>Hundreds of volunteers are needed</strong> for the Advanced Polls and Election Day - to scrutineer during voting, scrutineer the vote count, and help with data entry, and phone calling. <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/volunteer" target="_self">Please sign up here</a>.<br><br></p>
<h3>Upcoming Events</h3>
<p>The list of all candidate events is becoming really long, so please <a title="all candidates" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/all_candidate_fora_2015" target="_blank">click here for current information on local meetings</a>. <br><br>The next all candidates meeting is: <strong>All Candidates Meeting: Pender Island, Saturday 26th September, 1 to 3 pm, Pender Island</strong></p>
<p><strong>When:</strong> Saturday 26th September, 1-3 pm<br><strong>Where:</strong> Pender Island School Gymnasium, 5714 Canal Rd, Pender Island</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://saltspringmarket.com/salt-spring-island-event/the-famous-salt-spring-island-fall-fair/" target="_blank"><br>Salt Spring Fall Fair</a>, Saturday 19th to Sunday 20th September, Ganges<br></strong>Elizabeth will join the crowds at the annual Fall Fair on Sunday 20th September.<br><strong><strong>When</strong>: </strong>Saturday and Sunday September 19th to 20th<strong><br><strong>Where:</strong></strong> Farmer's Institute - 351 Rainbow Road, Ganges, Salt Spring<br><br></p>
<p><strong>Re-Elect Elizabeth May Campaign Office Locations and Hours:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Sidney Office</strong>, 2355 James White Blvd<br>Open Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm; Saturday 12 pm to 4 pm<br>778-351-3335<a target="_blank"><br></a></p>
<p><strong>Saanich Office</strong>, 3550 Saanich Rd, Unit 106<br>Open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm<br>778-817-1010</p>
<p><strong>Salt Spring Office</strong>, 374 Lower Ganges Road, Unit #364, Salt Spring Island<br>Open Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm<br>250-931-4733</p>
<p>Note: Open times for the offices keep increasing, call the office number to check the current times</p>Sun, 20 Sep 2015 20:50:00 -0700Ann Eastmanhttp://www.sgigreenparty.ca/september_19th_2015_newsletter
September 5th 2015 Newsletter<p><strong>In this edition:</strong><em><br></em></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Supporting Seniors in Canada - A National Strategy</strong></li>
<li><strong>Women's Issues Matter</strong></li>
<li><strong>Greens at Work - Defending our Home</strong></li>
<li><strong>Thank You Campaign Supporters!</strong></li>
<li><strong>Green Party Launches TV Ad Campaign</strong></li>
<li>
<strong></strong><strong>Paid Opportunities to Work with Elections Canada</strong>
</li>
<li><strong>Upcoming Events</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3>Supporting Seniors in Canada - A National Strategy<strong><em><br></em></strong>
</h3>
<p><a title="Carolyns video" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv=XUZ1qnNKQ3g%26feature=youtu.be" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="Carlyn-2.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/519/attachments/original/1441501806/Carlyn-2.jpg?1441501806" alt="Carlyn-2.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>Carolyn, a retiree, is concerned about the financial insecurity that her many fellow seniors face. She feels not enough is being done to ensure seniors can stay in their homes and communities and not be forced to move into long term care before they wish to do so. <br><br>This is why Carolyn strongly supports the Green Party’s comprehensive <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/seniors_strategy" target="_blank">National Seniors’ Strategy</a> announced by Elizabeth May in Fredricton, NB this week<strong>.</strong> The plan includes improvements to national pension plans, development of a seniors’ housing strategy, and approaches that ensure compassionate, respectful end of life care.</p>
<p><a title="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUZ1qnNKQ3g&amp;feature=youtu.be" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv=XUZ1qnNKQ3g%26feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">As Carolyn says</a>, “<em>having a national plan will ensure that home support could be providing that added dimension of care, enabling people to stay in their homes and communities</em>”. </p>
<p>Groups including the Canadian Medical Association and the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) welcome such a strategy. </p>
<p>Elizabeth May, and all other Green Party candidates, will champion a national approach to support seniors. Please help the progressive, principled voices of the Green Party. <a href="https://saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca.nationbuilder.com/donate?e=a72ed9d64f1d2514da279242acffa23c&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=aug_news2sgi&amp;n=5&amp;test_email=1" target="_blank">Donate to Elizabeth's campaign</a> or support your <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greenparty.ca%2Fen%2Fcandidates&amp;e=a72ed9d64f1d2514da279242acffa23c&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=aug_news2sgi&amp;n=8&amp;test_email=1">local Green candidate</a>.</p>
<h3><strong>Women's Issues Matter <em><br></em></strong></h3>
<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/howardlake/5540463792/sizes/l" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="15297085447_31c970b99d_m.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/519/attachments/original/1441501816/15297085447_31c970b99d_m.jpg?1441501816" alt="15297085447_31c970b99d_m.jpg" width="300" height="221" /></a>In what some are calling a snub to women in particular and to democracy in general, Thomas Mulcair reneged on his commitment to participate in the leaders' forum on women's issues. This is raising the ire of many who claim <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/women-s-issues-debate-called-off-after-mulcair-pulls-out-1.3202120">the NDP is all but ignoring women’s issues</a> during this election while claiming to be the party that champions women. <br><br><em><a href="http://upfordebate.ca/who-we-are" target="_blank">Up For Debate</a></em>, an alliance of 175 organizations, will now use another format with each leader (except for Stephen Harper who has yet to commit). Each leader will answer questions in one-one interviews to will be aired in September. And yet, without a full leaders’ debate, women’s issues are not receiving the long overdue attention they need in this election<br><br></p>
<div>The Green Party approach to women’s issues does not pigeon hole women’s interests. Inequality is a pervasive issue for gender, sexuality, race, economic status and more. The Green Vision includes the right to choose among parenting options, and career opportunities with the support necessary to make the choices viable. Our Vision also includes pay equity for women, and a stronger role for women in government and the public sector.</div>
<div>
<br><br>
</div>
<div>We have strong women candidates poised to make a breakthrough, especially here on Vancouver Island. Help us make sure they bring their diverse voices to Ottawa. <a href="https://saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca.nationbuilder.com/donate?e=a72ed9d64f1d2514da279242acffa23c&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=aug_news2sgi&amp;n=5&amp;test_email=1" target="_blank">Please donate to Elizabeth's campaign</a>.</div>
<div></div>
<div></div>
<h3><strong>Elizabeth May Excluded from Debates</strong></h3>
<p>The cancellation of the live, televised debate on women’s issues has another serious consequence: there will now be no other national leaders’ debate in English that includes Elizabeth May. The two private debates hosted by Munk Debates and Globe and Mail do not include Elizabeth, who proved the value she adds during the Maclean's debate bringing attention to climate change and the increased bitumen tanker traffic on the Pacific Coast. <br><br>If you haven't already, <a title="Debate petition" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/2015_election_debates" target="_blank">please sign our petition</a> asking for Elizabeth's participation in future leaders' debates and email the <a href="mailto:dwalmsley@globeandmail.com" target="_blank">Globe and Mail</a> and <a href="mailto:rudyard@munkdebates.com" target="_blank">Munk Debates</a> to let them know that Canadians want to hear from Elizabeth. <br><br>The national broadcasters consortium invited Elizabeth to both English and French debates. Shockingly, Stephen Harper refused these debates in favour of private corporate debates. He relented for the French debate, but the national English debate may be cancelled. This is in large part due to Mr. Mulcair’s position that he will not debate without Mr. Harper. In the interest of democracy and more clarity on the options before Canadians, Mr. Mulcair should be encouraged to debate, with or without the Conservative leader.<br><br></p>
<h3><strong>Greens At Work - Defending Our Home</strong></h3>
<p><a title="Town Hall" href="http://greensofnorthisland-powellriver.ca/david-suzuki-the-reason-im-here-tonight-is-because-brenda-is-a-hero-of-mine-this-is-the-kind-of-canadian-we-need-in-ottawa/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="Brenda_.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/519/attachments/original/1441501829/Brenda_.jpg?1441501829" alt="Brenda_.jpg" width="300" height="310" /></a></p>
<p>Brenda Sayer, the <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=http%3A%2F%2Fgreensofnorthisland-powellriver.ca%2Fbrenda-sayers-candidate%2F&amp;e=a72ed9d64f1d2514da279242acffa23c&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=septnews1&amp;n=14&amp;test_email=1">Green Party candidate for North Island Powell River,</a> exemplifies women’s leadership. On behalf of the Hupacasath First Nation and all people of Canada, <a title="FIPA implications" href="http://canadians.org/media/harper-government-sneaks-through-canada-china-fipa-despite-ongoing-court-challenge" target="_blank">Brenda led the only court challenge to the ratification of the Canada-China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA)</a> – a dangerous treaty that puts Canadian democracy, resource rights, Aboriginal treaty rights, and environmental protection at risk for the next 31 years. </p>
<p>As a Green Party candidate, Brenda now vows to "<em>continue fighting for your rights, and the rights of future generations to freedom, clean air and water, and verdant soil</em>." <br><br>In a <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=http%3A%2F%2Fgreensofnorthisland-powellriver.ca%2Fdavid-suzuki-the-reason-im-here-tonight-is-because-brenda-is-a-hero-of-mine-this-is-the-kind-of-canadian-we-need-in-ottawa%2F&amp;e=a72ed9d64f1d2514da279242acffa23c&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=septnews1&amp;n=15&amp;test_email=1">recent town hall in Powell River</a>, award-winning scientist and prominent environmental advocate David Suzuki praised Brenda's efforts, calling her a hero for her incredible contribution to increasing Canadian awareness of the significant, negative consequences FIPA will have on environmental protection in Canada.</p>
<p>The Green Party was the first to raise the alarm about the dangers of Stephen Harper’s unprecedented move to ratify FIPA without any public consultation or debate. It is a “sellout to China” that significantly undermines Canadian sovereignty and will <a title="FIPA" href="http://www.greenparty.ca/en/content/stand-against-sellout-china-0" target="_blank">“never benefit Canadians”</a> <br><br>More on investor state treaties is available <a title="investor state treaties" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/global_trade" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p>Please support the Party truly and consistently committed to protecting our land into the future. Help Elizabeth by <a href="https://secure.greenparty.ca/en/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&amp;id=6&amp;riding=FSA.W.2013-59037&amp;ridingtitle=Brenda%20Sayers%20in%20North%20Island%E2%80%94Powell%20River" target="_blank">supporting Brenda's campaign</a>. <br><br></p>
<h3><strong>Thank You Campaign Supporters! </strong></h3>
<p><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="EM_lawn_sign.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/519/attachments/original/1441501841/EM_lawn_sign.jpg?1441501841" alt="EM_lawn_sign.jpg" width="300" height="218" />In Saanich-Gulf Islands, over 1,400 lawn signs were distributed over the first few weeks of the campaign. More signs have just arrived and our volunteer delivery team is working hard to deliver them. For those still waiting for signs, thank you for your patience! </p>
<p>As the election progresses, the number of polls, call-in talk shows and social media efforts are growing. Please participate in:<br><br>* The Dogwood Initiative's <a title="SGI POll" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=http%3A%2F%2Fvotebc.dogwoodinitiative.org%2Fsplash_page%3Fsplash%3D1&amp;e=a72ed9d64f1d2514da279242acffa23c&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=septnews1&amp;n=18&amp;test_email=1" target="_blank">Pledge to Vote</a>,<br>* <a title="SGI poll" href="http://votebc.dogwoodinitiative.org/saanichgulf_islands" target="_blank">Online polls for each riding in BC</a>, and<br>* Their next phone poll on September 7th.</p>
<p>If you are not already on our volunteer list and would like to help with social media, letters to the editor or to write pieces for this newsletter or the website, please contact <a href="mailto:ann.eastman@greenparty.ca" target="_blank">us</a>. We meet every Monday night at 7 pm at the Sidney office.<br><br></p>
<h3><strong>Green Party of Canada Launches TV Ad Campaign </strong></h3>
<p><strong></strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCiBp6oPoAM&amp;feature=youtu.be" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="Claire_Martin_video.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/519/attachments/original/1441501855/Claire_Martin_video.jpg?1441501855" alt="Claire_Martin_video.jpg" width="300" height="235" /></a><br>The Green Party of Canada has just launched its first television ad campaign. <br><br>A big thank you to all the donors that made this possible! <br><br>Claire Martin is the star of the first tv ad. You can see a sneak preview <a title="Claire Martin" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCiBp6oPoAM&amp;feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">here on Youtube</a>.<br><br></p>
<p> </p>
<h3>
<br><br>Paid Opportunities to work with Elections Canada<strong></strong>
</h3>
<p>We provide recommendations to Elections Canada for Registration Officers, for Election Day (October 19),and for the four-day period of the Advance Polls (October 8, 9, 10, 11). We need 200 <span>Deputy Returning Officers for election day, 20 people on the registrations, and 20 Deputy Returning Officers for the advance polls.</span></p>
<p>We encourage GPC members and supporters to apply for these positions. We are committed to a fair vote and a high voter engagement. We will be pleased to recommend anyone who is committed to carrying out these important duties in a non-partisan manner, in accordance with Election Canada’s regulations. If you are a Canadian Citizen, and live and are eligible to vote in Saanich-Gulf Islands, please contact the SGI office, or <a title="Grace's email" href="mailto:Grace.Cockburn@greenparty.ca" target="_blank">email</a> us for more information.<br><br></p>
<h3>Upcoming Events</h3>
<p><strong>2015 Saanich Fall Fair, Saturday 5th September, Saanichton, BC<br></strong>See Elizabeth and other Green candidates at the Green Party corner in the Marketplace at the Fair! Eiizabeth will be there all day Saturday.<strong><strong><br>When</strong>: </strong>September 5th, 9am-5pm<strong><br><strong>Where: </strong></strong>Saanich Fair Grounds, Saanichton<br><br><strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/952660031474152/" target="_blank">Salt Spring 11th Annual Pride Parade</a>, Saturday 12th September, 1 pm, Ganges<br></strong>Walk with Elizabeth May in the always amazing Pride Parade through Ganges. For details, look <a title="SSi Pride Parade" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/952660031474152/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br><strong><strong>When</strong>: </strong>September 12th, 1 pm<strong><br><strong>Where: </strong></strong>Meet at 12:15pm at Mahon Hall, 114 Rainbow Road (just north of town centre), Ganges<br><br><strong>Volunteer Appreciation Tea with Elizabeth, Sunday 13th September, 1 pm, Saanich</strong><br>Please join Elizabeth for a special event to thank volunteers for all their efforts. Please <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/volunteer_appreciation_tea_with_elizabeth" target="_blank">RSVP</a> and consider bringing a volunteer-to be and treats for tea.<br><strong><strong>When</strong>: </strong>September 13, 1-3 pm<strong><strong><strong><br></strong></strong>Where:</strong> Sayward area in Saanich, please <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/volunteer_appreciation_tea_with_elizabeth" target="_blank">RSVP</a> for details<br><br><strong>Peninsula Chamber of Commerce All Candidates Meeting, Monday 14th September, 7 pm, North Saanich</strong><br>The Peninsula Chamber and Peninsula News Review will host an all candidates forum.<em><strong><br></strong></em><strong>When: </strong>September 14, 7 pm<strong><br></strong><strong>Where</strong>: <a title="map" href="https://www.google.ca/maps/place/Parkland+Secondary+School/@48.6705112,-123.4217684,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x6a571d59addae26b" target="_blank">Parkland Secondary School</a>, 10640 McDOnald Park Rd., North Saanich</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://saltspringmarket.com/salt-spring-island-event/the-famous-salt-spring-island-fall-fair/" target="_blank">Salt Spring Fall Fair</a>, Saturday 19th to 20th September, Ganges<br></strong>Elizabeth will join the crowds at the annual Fall Fair.<br><strong><strong>When</strong>: </strong>September 19 -20 September<strong><br><strong>Where:</strong></strong> Farmer's Institute - 351 Rainbow Road, Ganges, Salt Spring<br><br><strong>All Candidates Meeting: Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP), Tuesday 29th September, 2 to 4 pm, Sidney</strong><br>CARP will host an all candidates forum. <br><strong>When:</strong> Tuesday 29th September, 2-4 pm<br><strong>Where:</strong> Shoal Centre, 10030 Resthaven Drive, Sidney<br><br><strong><a href="http://www.cbasn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Federal-All-Candidates-Meeting-2015-Poster.pdf" target="_blank">2015 All Candidates Meeting</a> Tuesday 29th September, 7 to 10 pm, Victoria</strong><br>This all candidates forum will be hosted by three community associations in the riding of Saanich-Gulf Islands<strong><br>When: </strong>Tuesday 29th September, 7-10 pm<br><strong>Where</strong>: Lochside Elementary School, 1145 Royal Oak Drive, Victoria<br><br><strong><a href="http://www.victoriachamber.ca/events/SaanichGulf-Islands-Virtual-Candidate-Forum--1647/details" target="_blank">Virtual All Candidates Forum: Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce</a>, Wednesday 30th September, noon to 1 pm, online</strong><br>Moderated by the Chamber’s CEO, Bruce Carter, the virtual forums are free-of-charge, and can be viewed on any web-enabled platform of your choice.<strong><br>When: </strong>online<br><strong>Where: </strong>September 30, noon to 1 pm<br><br><strong>All Candidates Forum on CFAX Radio, Thursday 1st October, 10 am, CFAX</strong><br>CFAX Radio 1070 will host an all candidates debate. <strong><em><br></em>When: </strong>Thursday 1 October, 10 am<br><strong>Where: </strong>Listen to CFAX Radio 1070 or listen <a href="http://tunein.com/radio/CFAX-1070-s31112/" target="_blank">online</a><br><br><strong>BCSEA All-Candidates Meeting, Friday 2nd October, Sidney, 6:30-9:00 pm</strong><br>BC Sustainable Energy Association (BCSEA) will host five federal candidates' meetings dedicated exclusively to climate change and sustainable energy. Sooke (Sept. 16), Victoria (Sept. 21), Langford (Sept. 24), Esquimalt (Sept. 29) and Sidney (Oct. 2). The Sidney meeting will be moderated by Maggie Ziegler. Find more information <a title="BCSEA All Candidates Debates" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/125461691123934/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br><strong><strong>When</strong>: </strong>Friday 2nd October, 6:30 - 9:00 pm <br><strong>Where: </strong>St. Paul’s United Church, 2410 Malaview Avenue, Sidney</p>
<p><strong>All Candidates Meeting: Salt Spring Forum, Monday 5th October, 2 to 5 pm, Salt Spring<br></strong>The Salt Spring Forum will host an all-candidates meeting. <a href="mailto:saltspringforum@gmail.com" target="_blank">Please contact the Forum</a> for more information. <strong><br>When: </strong>Monday 5th October, Doors open at 2 pm. Debate from 2:30- 5 pm<strong><br>Where: <a title="Gulf Islands Secondary School" href="http://saltspringforum.ca/locations/gulf-islands-secondary-school/">Gulf Islands Secondary School</a>, Salt Spring Island</strong><strong><br><strong><br><strong><strong>All Candidates Meeting</strong>: Mayne Island Community Chamber of Commerce All Candidates, Tuesday 6th October, 1 pm, Mayne Island</strong><br></strong></strong>The Mayne Island Community Chamber of Commerce will host an all candidates meeting <strong><strong><em><strong><br></strong></em><strong>When: </strong></strong></strong>October 6th, 1 pm<strong><strong><br></strong><strong>Where</strong>: </strong>Mayne Island Community Chamber of Commerce<br><strong><br><strong><strong>All Candidates Meeting</strong>: University of Victoria Student Society, Wednesday 7th October, 3 pm, University of Victoria<br></strong></strong>The UVic Student Society will host an all candidates debate. <strong><br>When: </strong>Wednesday 7th October, 3 pm<strong><br>Where: </strong>Location to be announced<strong><strong><br><br><br></strong>2015 Federal Election Advance Polls, October 9, 10, 11, 12, from noon to 8 pm</strong><br>It is so important to vote in this election. <a href="http://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=vot&amp;dir=reg&amp;document=index&amp;lang=e" target="_blank">Please ensure that you are registered to vote</a> and have the necessary ID. <br>Please contact one of the SGI offices, or <a title="Grace's email" href="mailto:Grace.Cockburn@greenparty.ca" target="_blank">email</a> us for more information.<strong><br><br><br>Re-Elect Elizabeth May Campaign Office Locations and Hours:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Sidney Office</strong>, 2355 James White Blvd<br>Open Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm; Saturday 12 pm to 4 pm<br>778-351-3335<a target="_blank"><br></a></p>
<p><strong>Saanich Office</strong>, 3550 Saanich Rd, Unit 106<br>Open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm<br>778-817-1010</p>
<p><strong>Salt Spring Office</strong>, 374 Lower Ganges Road, Unit #364, Salt Spring Island<br>Open Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm<br>250-931-4733</p>
<p><span>Note: Open times for the offices keep increasing, call the office number to check the current times</span></p>Sat, 05 Sep 2015 18:19:00 -0700Ann Eastmanhttp://www.sgigreenparty.ca/september_newsletter
August 2015 Newsletter<p><strong>In this edition:</strong><em><br></em></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Pipelines and Tankers </strong></li>
<li><strong>Vote for Your Future</strong></li>
<li><strong>Greens at Work - A Long Term Vision</strong></li>
<li><strong>You Can Help Keep Our Election Fair</strong></li>
<li><strong>Upcoming Events</strong></li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Pipelines and Tankers </strong></h3>
<p><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="pipeline_facebook2_english.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/482/attachments/original/1440439739/pipeline_facebook2_english.jpg?1440439739" alt="pipeline_facebook2_english.jpg" width="300" height="300" />The Green Party announced their comprehensive pipelines and energy security policy this week in Victoria. The Greens are the <strong><em>only</em></strong> party to oppose new bitumen pipelines and increased tanker traffic on our coast. <br><br>Greens believe that the environmental, social and economic impact of increasing the number of crude oil tankers on the coast simply outweighs any of the economic benefits.<br><br>As Elizabeth May pointed out, "<em>one accident could cripple the entire billion-dollar fisheries and tourism industry upon which our coastal communities depend. It is time to think like a country again and develop a national approach to a diversified energy strategy</em>."<br><br>Many share this perspective. The Conservatives and Liberals support pipeline development, but <span>Mulcair has not taken a position against tankers or Kinder Morgan. He wants a thorough review process before accepting Kinder Morgan, but that does not exhibit an understanding that the project is flawed from the bottom up.</span> <br><br>Plans for a <a title="CFAX" href="http://www.cfax1070.com/News/Top-Stories/Floating-LNG-Facility-Proposed-for-Saanich-Inlet" target="_blank">new floating LNG processing facility</a> were announced yesterday for the Bamberton site in Saanich Inlet, in spite of evidence that <a title="Vic News" href="http://www.vicnews.com/business/306654591.html" target="_blank">more LNG plants don't make economic sense</a>, let alone environmental sense. <br><br>We need leaders in Canada who will halt the expansion of the tar sands and end the massive subsidies to this primarily American-owned sector. We need leaders who will protect our coasts. Elizabeth May, and all other Green Party candidates will defend our coast by stopping more pipeline development and supertanker traffic. Please help the progressive, principled voices of the Green Party. <a href="https://saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca.nationbuilder.com/donate?e=a72ed9d64f1d2514da279242acffa23c&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=aug_news2sgi&amp;n=5&amp;test_email=1" target="_blank">Donate to Elizabeth's campaign</a> or support your <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greenparty.ca%2Fen%2Fcandidates&amp;e=a72ed9d64f1d2514da279242acffa23c&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=aug_news2sgi&amp;n=8&amp;test_email=1">local Green candidate</a>.<br><br></p>
<h3><strong>Vote for Your Future<em><br></em></strong></h3>
<p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/howardlake/5540463792/sizes/l" target="_blank"><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="5540463792_5ed995cd6a_m.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/482/attachments/original/1440434604/5540463792_5ed995cd6a_m.jpg?1440434604" alt="5540463792_5ed995cd6a_m.jpg" width="300" height="168" /></a>Negative, fear-mongering attacks by the three main parties continue. However voters are starting to push back and plan to vote with the future in mind. To rid Canada of one '<a title="Policy Magazine" href="http://policymagazine.ca/pdf/11/PolicyMagazineJanuaryFebruary-2015-May.pdf" target="_blank">elected dictatorship</a>' only to replace it with another is an opportunity lost.<br><br>You may have heard comments that voting Green will help re-elect a Harper government. In fact, voting Green is <strong><em>the best way to prevent this</em></strong> because Greens will work with Liberals and the NDP to make sure Stephen Harper never holds power in Canada again. Only Greens can bring these parties, who have no history of cooperating, together to stop Harper. <br><br>Elizabeth defeated a Conservative MP in Saanich Gulf-Islands, a riding that had previously elected Conservatives for 14 years. <br><br>Elizabeth says, "<em>If it were true that Greens running were a plus for the Conservatives, Stephen Harper would be plugging me to be in every single debate and we know he’s doing the opposite</em>.”<br><br>Show your support for Elizabeth May by <a title="Reserve a sign" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/reserve_a_sign" target="_blank">reserving a lawn sign</a>.</p>
<h3><strong>Greens At Work - A Long Term Vision</strong></h3>
<p><img id="Baby Sam with his sister Isabel" style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="Baby_in_sink_IMG_3030.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/482/attachments/original/1440434618/Baby_in_sink_IMG_3030.jpg?1440434618" alt="Baby_in_sink_IMG_3030.jpg" width="300" height="224" />Whistler is not experiencing the same level of water restrictions as the rest of the province in this dry, hot, fire-filled summer. Why? The former mayor of Whistler, Ken Melamed, planned for the future of the Whistler water supply. Ken says, </p>
<p dir="ltr">"<em>It is true. We invested significant funds to ensure safety, redundancy and storage capacity in our water supply...</em><em> we took a lesson when Tofino ran out of water in 2006. </em><em>Additional water reservoirs were built, groundwater wells drilled and all water systems were linked throughout the municipality.</em></p>
<p dir="ltr"><em>Water conservation programs were added and encouraged, especially in the hotel sector, as part of our <a title="Whistler 2020 Strategy" href="www.whistler2020.ca/strategy/water" target="_blank">Integrated Sustainable Community Plan</a></em>."</p>
<p>Ken is now the <a title="Ken Melamed" href="http://kenmelamed.ca/" target="_blank">Green Party candidate for the West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country</a>, and the Green Party of Canada Financial Critic.<br><br>The Green choice is a strong voice for the future of baby Sam, seen here enjoying a water-conserving bath in the sink, and his sister Isabel (in the mirror). Please support the Party focused on preserving our resources into the future. Help Elizabeth by supporting your <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/r?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greenparty.ca%2Fen%2Fcandidates&amp;e=a72ed9d64f1d2514da279242acffa23c&amp;utm_source=saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=aug_news2sgi&amp;n=8&amp;test_email=1">local Green candidate</a>.<br><strong style="font-size: 1.17em;"></strong></p>
<p><strong style="font-size: 1.17em;">You Can Help Keep Our Election Fair and Non-Partisan - SGI Greens Recruiting for Paid Work with Elections Canada!</strong></p>
<p>Elections Canada recruits Deputy Returning Officers from a list provided by the party which placed first in each riding in the previous election. In Saanich-Gulf Islands, that is the Green Party. We are also asked to provide recommendations for Registration Officers and Revising Agent positions. Positions are available for Election Day (October 19), or for the four-day period of the Advance Polls (October 8, 9, 10, 11). Revising Agents work for approximately 33 days prior to the election, updating the voter list, beginning around September 17.</p>
<p>We encourage GPC members and supporters to apply for these positions. We are committed to a fair vote and a high voter engagement. We will be pleased to recommend anyone who is committed to carrying out these important duties in a non-partisan manner, in accordance with Election Canada’s regulations.</p>
<p>If you are a Canadian Citizen, and live and are eligible to vote in Saanich-Gulf Islands, please contact the SGI office, or <a title="Grace's email" href="mailto:Grace.Cockburn@greenparty.ca" target="_blank">email</a> us for more information.<br> </p>
<h3><strong>Upcoming Events</strong></h3>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/maclean-s-leaders-election-debate-set-for-aug-6-1.3114573" target="_blank"></a></strong><strong><strong></strong></strong><strong>Elizabeth May is Featured Guest on Shaw TV show - CVV TV, Monday 24 August, Victoria, 8 pm</strong></p>
<div>
<p>Elizabeth speaks one-on-one with interviewer Leanne Allen in front of a live studio audience. Please join us! The event is free and will be broadcast August 31 - September 30, 2015. For more information please visit the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1611375959150472/" target="_blank">Facebook event page</a>.</p>
<p><strong><strong>When</strong>: </strong>August 24, 2015, 8 -8:30 pm <br><strong>Where: </strong> <a title="Victoria Event Centre" href="http://victoriaeventcentre.ca/venueinfo/location/" target="_blank">Victoria Event Centre</a>., 1415 Broad Street, Victoria</p>
</div>
<p><strong><br>Salt Spring Pride Festival, Saturday 12 to Sunday 13 September, Ganges<br></strong>Many great Pride events and an amazing Pride Parade through Ganges. For details look <a title="SSi Pride Festival" href="http://saltspringmarket.com/salt-spring-island-event/salt-spring-pride-festival/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br><br><strong><strong>When</strong>: </strong>Saturday 12 to Sunday 13 September<strong><br><strong>Where: </strong></strong>Ganges, BC<strong><br><br><br>2015 Saanich Fall Fair, Saturday 5th to 7th September, Saanichton, BC<br></strong>Please visit Elizabeth and other candidates at the Green Party corner in the Marketplace at the Fair!<br><strong><br><strong><strong><strong><strong>When</strong>: </strong></strong></strong></strong>September 5-7, 2015<strong><br><strong>Where: </strong></strong>Saanich Fair Grounds, Saanichton<br><br><br><strong>BCSEA All-Candidates Debate, Friday 2nd October, Sidney, 6:30-9:00 pm</strong><br>BC Sustainable Energy Association (BCSEA) will host five federal candidates' debates dedicated exclusively to climate change and sustainable energy. Sooke (Sept. 16), Victoria (Sept. 21), Langford (Sept. 24), Esquimalt (Sept. 29) and Sidney (Oct. 2). <br>The Sidney debate will be moderated by Maggie Ziegler. Find more information <a title="BCSEA All Candidates Debates" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/125461691123934/" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p><strong><strong>When</strong>: </strong>Friday 2nd October, 6:30 - 9:00 pm <strong><br><strong>Where: </strong></strong>St. Paul’s United Church, 2410 Malaview Avenue, Sidney</p>
<p><strong><br>Re-Elect Elizabeth May Campaign Office Locations and Hours:<br>Sidney Office</strong>, 2355 James White Blvd<br>Open Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm<br>778-351-3335<a target="_blank"><br></a></p>
<p><strong>Saanich Office</strong>, 3550 Saanich Rd, Unit 106<br>Open Tuesday to Friday, 2 to 6 pm <br>778-817-1010</p>
<p><strong>Salt Spring Office</strong>, 374 Lower Ganges Road, Unit #364, Salt Spring Island<br>Open 10 am to 7 pm Monday to Saturday<br>250-931-4733<br><br></p>Mon, 24 Aug 2015 11:10:00 -0700Ann Eastmanhttp://www.sgigreenparty.ca/august_2015_newsletter
July 2015 Newsletter<h3>In this issue...</h3>
<ul>
<li>Elizabeth May is Needed in <em>All</em> of the 2015 Leaders' Debates</li>
<li>Elizabeth Receives Standing Ovation from First Nations Leaders</li>
<li>Where There is Smoke, There is Climate Change</li>
<li>And What About Our Health?</li>
<li>Celebrating Pride</li>
<li>Upcoming Events</li>
</ul>
<h3>Elizabeth May is Needed in <em>All</em> of the 2015 Leaders' Debates</h3>
<p><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="4_leaders.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/431/attachments/original/1436589865/4_leaders.jpg?1436589865" alt="4_leaders.jpg" width="325" height="200" />More than 80% of Canadians want to hear Elizabeth May in the 2015 election leadership debates. Yet Justin Trudeau is the only party leader so far who agrees Elizabeth should be in all of the debates. Thomas Mulcair remains mute and Harper continues to evade any discussion of it. <br><br>Harper has refused to participate in the traditional debate hosted by the media consortium (CBC News, ICI Radio-Canada Télé, CTV News and Global News). This is the debate likely to have the greatest reach across Canada, including remote communities across the country, because live-streaming and social media broadcasts are also included. In 2011, 14 million Canadians watched. <br><br>Instead, Harper is negotiating directly with other potential debate hosts. This means he can define the format and dictate who participates. The debates to be hosted by <a href="http://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/green-party-stunned-over-economy-foreign-policy-debate-snubs-1.2462862" target="_blank">Munk Debates and the Globe and Mail</a> are deliberately excluding Elizabeth May.<br><br>The first and, so far, the only debate with all four party leaders will be <a title="macleans" href="http://www.macleans.ca/politics/macleans-debate-four-leaders-one-stage-it-starts-here/" target="_blank">hosted by Maclean's/Rogers on August 6th</a> (details below). <br><br>Canadians deserve to hear Elizabeth's voice in <em>all</em> the leaders' debates. Canadians, the <a title="Canadian Business Journal" href="http://www.cbj.ca/green_party_leader_elizabeth_may/" target="_blank">business community</a>, and other MPs recognize her strengths. <br><br>So, the big question is why exclude the 2012 Parliamentarian of the Year, the 2013 Hardest Working MP and the 2014 Best Orator? The Green Party has two MPs in the House, will be running candidates in all ridings across Canada, has more than 5% of popular support, and the majority of Canadians want to hear Elizabeth May in the leaders' debates. <br><br>Central Saanich resident Scott suggests, "<em>Harper's afraid of debating such a skilled speaker with her knowledge and experience. And Mulcair thinks he won't shine as brightly if she is there. It's just cynical cowardice.</em>"<br><br>Help get the message to the Harper Conservatives and to the NDP: <a title="debate petition" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/2015_election_debates" target="_blank">Sign our petition to include Elizabeth in all of the leaders' debates</a> in the 2015 election. Is it more 'who's afraid of Elizabeth May' because she will outshine the others? Have the NDP made an agreement with the Harper Conservatives? </p>
<h3>Elizabeth Receives Standing Ovation from First Nations Leaders</h3>
<p><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="EM_at_AFN_AGA_2015.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/431/attachments/original/1436589884/EM_at_AFN_AGA_2015.jpg?1436589884" alt="EM_at_AFN_AGA_2015.jpg" width="325" height="295" />On July 8<sup>th</sup>, Elizabeth's spoke at the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Annual General Assembly in Montreal. The Assembly themes were energy development, climate change and human rights. <br><br>Elizabeth's talk highlighted the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, what needs to happen now, and how we need to learn from FN peoples to have stronger respect for people and our environment. <br><br>The Green vision for reconciliation begins with the formal recognition of the cultural genocide from the residential school system and its ongoing consequences. The second step is the creation of a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBEYC6nrxEQ&amp;list=PLaZsl9-9peQ9Eqwr0q3hxqibhXRNQNp5v&amp;index=3" target="_blank">new system for decision-making in partnership</a>. Elizabeth described this as a better version of the council of the first ministers. The new council would have representation from federal, First Nations, provincial, territorial and municipal governments. Its mandate would be to work together, in respect, to collectively address the pressing challenges facing us all. <br><br><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaZsl9-9peQ9Eqwr0q3hxqibhXRNQNp5v" target="_blank">See Elizabeth's compelling presentation at the First Nations Assembly here</a>. <br><br>Help to make her vision of reconciliation a reality, please <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/pledge_your_vote" target="_blank">pledge your vote</a>. For more information on the Green Party platform, see <a href="http://www.greenparty.ca/en/policy/vision-green/people/rights/aboriginal" target="_blank">Vision Green</a>. </p>Fri, 10 Jul 2015 21:51:00 -0700Ann Eastmanhttp://www.sgigreenparty.ca/july_2015_newsletter
Vote Because You Care About Democracy<h3><strong style="font-size: 1.17em;">A 'Stunning Disrespect for our Democracy'</strong></h3>
<p><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="StopHarper.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/414/attachments/original/1435598119/StopHarper.jpg?1435598119" alt="StopHarper.jpg" width="225" height="167" /><em>Before </em>winning a majority government in 2011, Harper's contempt for democracy was clear (see resources below), including prorogation of parliament, suppression of research, and attack ads adopted as political standard. <br><br>Since 2011, the<a title="The Star" href="http://www.thestar.com/opinion/commentary/2015/01/10/stephen_harper_and_restoring_faith_in_our_democracy_hepburn.html" target="_blank"> assault on democracy</a> by this administration has accelerated. The budget omnibus bills alone, pushed through with little debate, provide ample proof of the decline of democracy in Canada. We even have legislation <em>designed</em> to <a href="http://voices-voix.ca/en/document/shrinking-space-dissent-canada-written-statement-26th-session-un-human-rights-council">discourage dissent</a> and make Canadians less likely to vote. </p>
<p>One example: A Salt Spring Island resident, who spoke briefly at Elizabeth May's Birthday Party June 6th in Fulford Hall, expressed the problem with a few riveting words. He could only give his first name because he is eligible for citizenship in another country, which means <a title="C-24" href="http://pressfortruth.ca/top-stories/canada-establishes-second-class-citizenship-bill-c-24/" target="_blank">under newly passed Bill C-24</a>, his Canadian passport could be <em>taken away</em>. He cannot exercise his right to free speech, to speak against the current administration because of this threat. Is this really Canada?<br><br><em>Party of One</em> author <a title="Michael Harris" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8Bu4k_Oja4" target="_blank">Michael Harris reiterates in a recent interview</a> how serious the threat to our democracy has become - having attained absolute power, Harper has abused it absolutely. It is urgent to change course now. Ottawa must be more than a democracy theme park.</p>
<p>Canadian democracy needs you more than ever. <a title="vote pledge" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/pledge_your_vote" target="_blank">Pledge your vote to a leader that does represent us, Elizabeth</a>. <a title="candidates" href="https://www.greenparty.ca/en/candidates" target="_blank">Support your local Green Party candidate.</a><br><br></p>
<h3><strong>Voting is a Right and a Responsibility</strong></h3>
<p><img title="2011_votes.png" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/414/attachments/original/1435596796/2011_votes.png?1435596796" alt="2011_votes.png" width="235" height="156" />The only way to restore real democracy is for <a title="GPC - democracy" href="http://www.greenparty.ca/en/party/values/participatory-democracy" target="_blank">Canadians to vote for a party that respects democracy</a>. Canadians have fought and died to protect the right to vote. Worldwide, not everyone has it and few take it for granted. The 2015 election is an opportunity for Canadians to defend our democracy by turning out in record numbers. <br><br>“<em>The only wasted vote is the one not cast</em>.” (Elizabeth May)</p>
<p>Why did 40% of Canadians not vote in 2011? Researchers say non-voters are disillusioned and cynical about politics. Non-voters believe it's irrelevant or no one worth voting for is running. <br><br>Only 39% of young Canadians eligible to vote do so. If they don't start, they are less likely to vote, ever. Young Canadians could have prevented Harper's majority and put issues such as student loan debt and youth unemployment on the national agenda. More youth and more <a title="CBC Radio FN vote" href="http://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-june-22-2015-1.3122368/the-afn-s-quest-to-mobilize-the-first-nations-vote-1.3122372" target="_blank">First Nation voters</a> will have significant impact in 2015.</p>
<p>Some non-voters consider not voting an act of resistance. This shows a misunderstanding of how our country works. The performance of our MPs has a major impact on our social, economic, and environmental conditions. We are touched every day by their decisions. Federal laws, policies, and programs affect us in our homes and on the world stage: How much tax do I pay? How is that money used? How many and what kind of jobs are being created? How accessible is quality health care? How much tax do businesses, small and large, pay? Is the environment being protected? How much scientific research is being done? <a title="TED talk" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIx-jRyZGwk" target="_blank">Is innovation encouraged?</a> Where, when, and why does Canada go to war?</p>
<p>Together we can fix our government - <a href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/pledge_your_vote" target="_self">Pledge your vote</a>. <br><br></p>
<div>
<h3><strong>Exercise <em>Your</em> Power </strong></h3>
</div>
<p><img id="Dennis Jarvis" title="SliderCanada2590434432_1dded106a0_z.png" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/414/attachments/original/1435597818/SliderCanada2590434432_1dded106a0_z.png?1435597818" alt="SliderCanada2590434432_1dded106a0_z.png" width="225" height="170" />When asked '<em>why vote?</em>', young Brentwood Bay resident Ali responded, "<em>Because I want to be represented!</em>". But MPs in the three official parties cannot vote to represent their constituents' wishes – they are <a title="CPAC" href="http://www.cpac.ca/en/programs/cpac-special/episodes/21229855/" target="_blank">compelled to follow their leader</a>. That's why <a title="NDP" href="http://www.burnabynow.com/news/confusion-over-ndp-s-position-on-kinder-morgan-pipeline-clarified-1.776876" target="_blank">noted NDP environmentalists may have to hold their noses and vote for more pipelines</a>. The power of the party leaders of the Conservatives, NDP and Liberals is such that three white men now shape every aspect of our lives. </p>
<p>Voting just makes sense and voting Green makes even more sense. <a title="cooperation" href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/elizabeth-may-pitches-electoral-co-operation-for-next-election-1.2712904" target="_blank">Greens lead, cooperate and encourage cross-party collaboration.</a> Politics can be done with integrity, transparency, collaboration, and a commitment to act for constituents. <br><br><a title="Leadership in Action" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/leadership_in_action" target="_blank">Elizabeth May has proven what one Green MP can accomplish</a>. It's worth noting that whenever Green candidates run in Canada, whether municipal, provincial or federal, voter turnout <em>increases</em>. <br><br>Potential Green Party candidates must sign a pledge before they are accepted to run in the 2015 election: </p>
<div>"<em>I pledge to conduct myself with integrity and treat others with respect;</em>
</div>
<div><em>I pledge, if elected, to publish all my expenses on my website;</em></div>
<div><em>I pledge to conduct myself with civility, to never heckle in the House;</em></div>
<div><em>I pledge to work tirelessly for my constituents; to keep</em></div>
<div><em>their interests and the well-being of Canada and the planet, paramount;</em></div>
<div>
<em>I pledge to make the voters in my riding proud.</em>"</div>
<p><br><a title="candidates" href="https://www.greenparty.ca/en/candidates" target="_blank">The Green Party is attracting the best minds of our country to run in 2015</a>. Green MPs vote freely and conscientiously to create policies and laws that protect our values and shape a positive future. You can help: <br><a title="donate" href="https://saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca.nationbuilder.com/donate" target="_blank">Donate to Elizabeth's re-election campaign</a>. <a title="Volunteer" href="http://www.sgigreenparty.ca/volunteer" target="_blank">Volunteer</a>.<br><br><br></p>
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<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr"><strong>What You Can Do Right Now</strong></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p><a href="http://www.thestar.com/opinion/commentary/2015/01/14/democracy-at-risk-what-you-can-do-to-help-hepburn.html" target="_blank"><img id="Aliaksandr Palanetski" title="Democracy8600105368_3cf5b2b4d7_z.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/414/attachments/original/1435597836/Democracy8600105368_3cf5b2b4d7_z.jpg?1435597836" alt="Democracy8600105368_3cf5b2b4d7_z.jpg" width="235" height="180" /><br>There is a lot you can do</a>. <br><br>People who are politically engaged can inform their friends, family, neighbours, and co-workers about the importance of voting. <br><br>Higher voter turnout will affect the success of Canada as a democracy. We can hold politicians accountable. We can vote for people with integrity who will represent us in parliament. </p>
<p>It is especially important right now to make sure that you and everyone you know is ready to vote. </p>Mon, 29 Jun 2015 10:17:00 -0700Ann Eastmanhttp://www.sgigreenparty.ca/vote_because_your_care_abut_democracy
June 2015 Newsletter<h3>In this issue...</h3>
<ul>
<li>Truth and Reconciliation</li>
<li>Information Manipulation</li>
<li>Green Rallies 'Round Our Communities</li>
<li>EM at Work for Small Business</li>
<li>Upcoming Events</li>
</ul>
<h3>
<br>Truth and Reconciliation</h3>
<p><img style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="tandr-cropped.jpg" src="https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/saanichgulfislandsgreenpartyca/pages/376/attachments/original/1434173843/tandr-cropped.jpg?1434173843" alt="tandr-cropped.jpg" width="250" height="200" />The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's (TRC) report on the ongoing trauma from the residential school system was released last week. The Harper administration’s participation was marked by its virtual silence. <br><br>This sad chapter of Canadian history must be fully heard. The consequences continue to reverberate. <a href="http://www.castanet.net/news/Vernon/141845/An-elder-s-response" target="_blank">We cannot say '<em>we didn't know</em>'</a>. </p>
<p>Truth telling begins the process of healing. Reconciliation needs much more. It has never been so important for Canadians to work together for social justice. We can create a diverse Canadian culture of respect, acceptance and understanding, a Canada where all children are valued and treated with compassion.<br><br><a title="EM statement on TRC" href="http://elizabethmaymp.ca/elizabeth-may-statement-on-release-of-truth-and-reconciliation-findings/" target="_blank">In Elizabeth's words</a>: "<em>Reconciliation means forging new relationships in the light of this history - extending the respect and equality to First Nations that has been withheld for generations</em>. <em>These recommendations give us the means to work with aboriginal communities to begin to overcome the historical and ongoing injustices of brutal colonialism and cultural genocide. We can, and must, all take action to redress the legacy of residential schools</em>."<br><br></p>Fri, 12 Jun 2015 22:43:00 -0700Ann Eastmanhttp://www.sgigreenparty.ca/june_2015_newsletter